Indigenous communities

Riding Mountain National Park

The Anishinabe of Riding Mountain

For the Anishinabe, Turtle Island, also known as North America, was chosen as their homeland by the Creator, Kichi Manitou. It is a common understanding that this has been home since time immemorial. The Anishinabe have maintained traditional connections to the land and waters, and with Parks Canada work to protect and present Riding Mountain National Park.

Riding Mountain National Park is located within Treaty 2 Territory and Parks Canada works with First Nations from Treaties 2, 4 and 1. We mention this to honor our relations and the contributions made to establish the park, the province, and Canada.

We All Work Together - Widokodadiwin

The common interest to improve and foster positive relationships between local First Nations and Parks Canada helped to create the Senior Management Agreement to establish the Senior Officials Forum (1998) and the Agreement to establish the Riding Mountain Forum (2006). The consistent link between First Nations and Parks Canada provides pathways to continue to work together, share information and cooperate in areas of mutual interest.

Map of the 7 First Nations in the Coalition of First Nations with Interest in RMNP

Senior Officials Forum

It has been 20 years since the Senior Officials Forum Agreement between Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation (KOFN) and Parks Canada Agency (PCA) was signed. It signaled the beginning of a new and positive relationship. The Agreement to establish the Senior Officials Forum has led to many acts of cooperation that have led to greater access to Riding Mountain National Park.

Coalition of First Nations with Interest in Riding Mountain National Park

Coalition of First Nations with Interest in RMNP, group photo 2009

After the establishment of the Senior Officials Forum, it was recognized early on that the conversations needed to involve other First Nations in close proximity to RMNP. This recognition led to the establishment of the Coalition of First Nations with Interest in RMNP consisting of nations from Treaty 2, 4, and 1 including Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation, Waywayseecappo First Nation, Rolling River First Nation, Tootinaowaziibeeng First Nation, Gambler First Nation, and Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation.

Riding Mountain Forum

The Coalition entered into an agreement with Parks Canada to establish the Riding Mountain Forum to share and put ideas into action. The Riding Mountain Forum opened the door to advise the development and implementation of the Park Management Plan.