Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
The construction of the Jasper Indigenous Exhibit on the grounds of the Jasper National Park (JNP) Visitor Information Centre is moving along as planned, said Neil McInnis, external relations manager, Jasper Field Unit, Parks Canada, in an email.
“Although there were some delays last fall and a short building season at that time, the work is proceeding on a mutually beneficial schedule for Parks Canada and local Indigenous Partners,” he said.
“Over the winter, construction has proceeded with subgrade concrete and foundation work. This work continues. When completed the exhibit will include a large bronze sculpture, community panels that will tell Indigenous Partners’ stories, seating, pathways, lighting, and landscaping.”
A bronze sculpture will be central to the exhibit, along with interpretive panels developed by Indigenous partners to express messages about who they are and their relationship with Jasper National Park. Benches, lighting and landscaping will also be included.
The exhibit will include panels from all Indigenous partner communities, as well as a panel at every entrance that recognizes the forced removal and exclusion from the land that became today’s JNP.
Parks Canada said it is critically important to inform and educate Canadians and international visitors about the history of Indigenous Peoples in JNP, and Indigenous Peoples’ special connection with the lands that comprise JNP.
Parks Canada is working with partners to finalize content for community panels and to plan and deliver a grand opening ceremony that recognizes and celebrates the intent of this important project, Indigenous Partner connections to JNP.
The major construction work on the exhibit is expected to be completed by early summer 2022, final completion of the exhibit, including installation of the sculpture and the grand opening ceremony, is expected in late summer/early fall 2022.
The grounds are the northern third of the land comprising Athabasca Park. This area has been an important green space and gathering place in the Jasper town site for a long time.
