Lil’wat and N’Quatqua Nations express frustration as B.C. limits Joffre Lakes Park closure to one month, falling short of their cultural requests.
First Nations Voice Concerns
The Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua First Nation have expressed frustration after the B.C. government announced a shorter closure of Pipi7iyekw/Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. The two Nations, whose unceded territories encompass the park, say the province has ignored their request for a longer cultural closure.
Closure Dates Confirmed
The province confirmed on Tuesday that the park will be closed to the public from September 2 to October 3, 2025. Officials say the decision reflects a balance between Indigenous cultural practices and recreational access.
Nations Requested Longer Period
In a joint statement, the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua Nations said they had sought a closure from August 22 to October 23, totaling 103 days. The additional time, they explained, was intended to reconnect with the land, conduct ceremonies, gather food and medicines, and allow the environment to rest.
Government Response
B.C.’s Ministry of Environment said the 68 total closure days scheduled in 2025 go beyond previous years but fall short of the Nations’ request. Officials emphasized that the dates were set to “balance cultural practices, conservation goals, and public access.”
Community Reaction
Dean Nelson, political chief of the Lil’wat Nation, called the decision “disappointing and disheartening.” He argued the reduced closure period reflects colonial decision-making that disregards Indigenous values. Nelson added that while crowd management has improved, traditional priorities remain sidelined in favor of recreational use.
Visitor Access History
Joffre Lakes has faced growing pressure from tourism, with about 180,000 annual visitors before day-use passes were introduced in 2021. To reduce overuse, the province cut the number of day passes in 2024 from 1,000 to 500 per day. Despite these measures, Indigenous leaders say the park continues to be managed primarily as a tourist attraction rather than a sacred place.
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