MN-S citizens to get free access to National Parks and Historic Sites in Saskatchewan
- EFN Staff | July 27, 2020
As of July 17th, a historic agreement between the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) and Parks Canada will see MN-S citizens with a Citizenship card get free entry to Grasslands and Prince Albert National Park as well as Batoche, Fort Battleford, Fort Walsh, and Motherwell Homestead National Historic Sites.
To gain complimentary entry to locations operated by Parks Canada in Saskatchewan, MN-S citizens will receive a specially-designed pass in the near future. Until then, MN-S Citizenship Cards can be presented upon arriving at a national park or historic site in Saskatchewan and they will be allowed in for free.
“Métis people have always respected the land. With today’s agreement, Métis citizens can explore the beauty of our province’s green spaces and connect with the land that binds us together as Métis people and as Canadians,” said Glen McCallum President, MN-S in a press release.
The new Open Doors Program with MN-S will remain in effect until March 31, 2026, when the agreement will be up for review and renewal.
Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan are partners in conserving the natural and cultural heritage and sharing the stories of these treasured places. Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that recognizes and honours the contributions of Indigenous peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationships Indigenous peoples have with traditional lands and waters.
“Reconciliation is a top priority for the Government of Canada. Today’s agreement with the Métis Nation –Saskatchewan is an important step towards honouring our commitment to renewed relationships with Indigenous peoples, based on a recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership,” said The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.