The government of British Columbia has announced that Joffre Lakes Park will undergo a temporary closure for one month, starting on September 2 and lasting until October 3. This measure aims to allow the park to recover after a busy summer season and to provide the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua First Nations the opportunity to engage in cultural practices.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Environment and Parks, the closure is set to coincide with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, further amplifying its significance. This will be the third closure of the park in 2023, following two previous closures earlier in the year—one on April 25, which lasted three weeks, and another in June for a duration of two weeks.

The decision to close the park has arisen amid ongoing discussions with the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua First Nations, who have raised concerns over the operation of the park. Earlier in 2023, these First Nations temporarily shut access to the park to assert their title and rights to the territory. The closure in September is intended to create a period during which members of the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua can reconnect with their ancestral lands, reflecting their deep cultural ties to the area.

While the province recognizes the importance of these closures, it notes that the current schedule is designed to balance the needs of cultural practices, conservation efforts, and public access to the park. The government has also acknowledged requests from the nations for additional closures; however, they determined that maintaining public access during the Labour Day weekend was essential.

Joffre Lakes Park, known for its stunning turquoise lakes and breathtaking mountain scenery, has become increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts. As a result, the park has faced challenges related to high visitor traffic, which has necessitated these periodic closures. The park management aims to ensure that both the ecological health of the area and the cultural practices of the First Nations are respected and prioritized.

This upcoming closure serves not only to facilitate cultural reconnection for the First Nations but also highlights the importance of sustainable tourism practices. By allowing the park to recover and providing spaces for indigenous customs, the provincial government underscores its commitment to respecting the rights and traditions of the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua peoples while also catering to the needs of the visiting public.