National Park feasibility study remains stalled

There is not much new on the National Park front following the Lower Similkameen Indian Band’s protest and statement of last May.

A statement on the National Park’s web site recently had this to say:

“Following four years of work with the Province of B.C. and including stakeholders, local residents and First Nations, much has been learned about the technical components of park feasibility. The feasibility study has involved a rigorous technical, planning and consultative process. Some components, including the assessment of feasibility from an Okanagan First Nations perspective, are incomplete.

At this time, Parks Canada’s priority for the feasibility study is to respectfully seek re-engagement with the Okanagan First Nations, so that we may have a park proposal that fully reflects the interests of the Syilx people, as well as local communities. The proposed national park reserve provides an exceptional opportunity to conserve nature that might otherwise be lost, and to showcase the natural and cultural attributes of the South Okanagan Lower Similkameen landscape.”

National Parks spokesperson Debbie Clark also noted that the park proposal had gone nowhere without First Nations endorsement.

“We are still waiting to see if First Nations wish to reengage talks with us,” she said recently

“I guess you could say we are at a pause at this point.”

Joe Dennis, Chief of the Lower Similkameen Band, reiterated his people’s position as having been unchanged since last year’s declaration.

“We told them straight out, no,” he said earlier this week. The band continues to work with the Similkameen Valley Planning Society and regional government to put together a land use study that works for local interests.

“Our position is still unequivocally no,” Dennis said. “We will continue, however, to work with locals who understand the situation.”