BC Government News Release: Lil’wat, N’Quatqua, Province Reach Agreement on Joffre Lakes Access

Details from the BC Government News Release:

After productive conversations between the Province, Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua, the parties have reached an agreement for the reopening of Pipi7iekw (Joffre Lakes Park).

The park will reopen on Sept. 19, 2023, for regular public access, with the exception of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Nations will gather on the land that day and the park will be inaccessible to the public. Day-use passes will continue to be required to access the park until Oct. 9, 2023. The backcountry camping season will close Nov. 13.

The Nations and the Province have agreed to continue to have regular, ongoing discussions throughout the remainder of the year and into spring 2024 to develop a plan for park access, park management, and cultural protection for future camping and recreation seasons. This time for dialogue will allow discussions to continue toward a collaborative resolution that supports reconciliation.

In response to the growing number of visitors, Líl̓wat and N’Quatqua, and the Province worked together to create the Joffre Lakes Park 2019 Visitor Use Management Action Plan. This plan helps ensure the natural resources and Indigenous cultural values of the park are protected, while continuing to provide recreation opportunities for visitors. The Nations and BC Parks have been formally engaging on park and visitor-use management since December 2018.

Read the full BC Government news release, here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023ENV0057-001460

Media Contacts

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Media Relations
250 213-3760