Experiences (Newsletter)

The National Alliance of Aboriginal National Historic Sites

Creating A Sense of Safety and Trust

"One of the biggest challenges for Aboriginal communities is increasing the management capacity to support Aboriginal national historic sites", says Linnea Battel, director of the Xá:Ytem Longhouse Interpretive Centre in Mission, B.C..

"The National Alliance of Aboriginal National Historic Sites is a perfect forum for Aboriginal cultural sites to explore this issue", she says. "While all national historic sites have challenges, the Alliance recognizes that the problems and opportunities facing First Nations are unique."

A participant at the National Alliance of Aboriginal National Historic Sites Western Canada meeting at Xá:Ytem National Historic Site demonstrates a ceremonial dance to welcome participants.
© John McCormick, 2007

The recently created Alliance is a community-inspired response that is endorsed and supported by Parks Canada. It provides a forum for Aboriginal leaders to share experiences and find solutions that respect their culture and history.

One example is the challenge of operating a national heritage site on a reserve. Other heritage sites do not have to manage the special political issues that can develop in that setting.

"The real strength of the Alliance, when compared to some of the other associations that we belong to, is how valuable the networking and the discussions are", Battel says. "We've become closer. The alliance brings us together and provides an ideal opportunity to solve each other's problems and learn from each other's experiences."

"While we were helping establish the B.C. Alliance of National Historic Sites, Aboriginal participants told us they needed a forum for sharing their unique challenges among themselves", says John McCormick, historic sites resource planner for Parks Canada in Vancouver. "Over the past year, we've held meetings with Aboriginal cultural site managers across Canada, and they have been well-attended."

About 80 Canadian national historic sites specifically commemorate Aboriginal cultural history, and many other national historic sites and national parks include Aboriginal history in their messages. This broad network provides mutual support for sharing best practices and for strengthening the relationships between Parks Canada staff and the local Aboriginal national historic sites.