On Wednesday, August 30th, BC Parks posted an announcement on their website saying that Joffre Lakes Provincial Park will reopen over the Labour Day long weekend.
The Líl̓wat Nation and N’Quatqua issued a joint announcement last Thursday saying they are closing public access to Pipi7iyekw, also known as Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, unti National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th, 2023.
After discussions between the two First Nations and the government, a new decision was reached.
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“Joffre Lakes Park will be open over the Labour Day weekend, from Friday September 1 to Monday September 4,” reads the announcement.
Joffre Lakes Park is located within the shared, overlapping unceded traditional territory of the Liiwat Nation and N’Quatqua First Nation.
“The park will then be inaccessible again for a three-day period from Tuesday September 5,” continues the statement.
Day passes will be available “on a rolling basis as of 7am” from Friday to Monday beginning August 31st.
Camping reservations will be open from Friday, September 1 with departures on Monday, September 4.
“BC Parks and the Province continue discussions with the Lil’wat and N’quatqua to chart out a plan that will provide space and privacy for cultural activities of the Nations while ensuring public access to the park in a responsible and sustainable manner,” concludes the announcement.