YELLOWKNIFE (May 15, 2014) – Premier Bob McLeod welcomed the introduction of Bill S-5 yesterday, which will formally establish the Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories’ Sahtu Region.
The new national park reserve is the result of almost a decade of planning between the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Sahtu Dene and Métis and the governments of Canada and Yukon. It is an area of spiritual and cultural significance to the people of the Tulita district and an important calving ground for mountain caribou.
“The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to a balanced approach that creates prosperity for the NWT and Canada while ensuring that the natural heritage of the territory is protected and conserved according to Northern priorities and values,” said Premier McLeod. “Our government was pleased to join with Canada and the people of the Sahtu in creating the Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve. Successful collaboration and effective partnerships between the territorial, federal and Aboriginal governments will continue to be a critical part of how our government will exercise its new powers and authorities to protect Northern lands and waters while managing responsible, sustainable development.”
Nááts’ihch’oh will be Canada’s 44th national park and is adjacent to the Nahanni National Park Reserve. The two park reserves together total almost 35,000 square kilometers and protect 86 percent of the South Nahanni watershed.
For more information:
Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2302
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca