Ron Hallman, president and chief executive officer of Parks Canada, signs the renewed memorandum of agreement. From left: Kate Hammond, intermountain regional director for the National Park Service; Kainai Nation Chief Roy Fox; Siksika Nation council member Samuel Crowfoot; Siksika Nation Chief Ouray Crowfoot; Dave Roemer, superintendent of Glacier National Park; Locke Marshall, field unit superintendent for Waterton Lakes National Park, Photo by Gina Icenoggle, National Park Service.
Parks Canada and the United States National Park Service signed a renewed memorandum of understanding Aug. 8 and committed to a continued collaborative relationship in the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
The collaboration is built upon shared goals related to the protection and presentation of cultural and natural heritage.
“For over a century, Parks Canada and the United States National Park Service have worked closely together on protecting and presenting some of the most beautiful natural spaces and interesting historical places in North America,” said Ron Hallman, president and chief executive officer of Parks Canada.
The memorandum of understanding signals continued collaboration on the protection, presentation, and management of cultural and natural heritage, including shared transboundary places, and co-stewardship with Indigenous peoples.
Collaboration between Parks Canada and the United States National Park Service dates back over a hundred years to when the two organizations were established, in 1911 and 1916 respectively.
This relationship was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding first signed in 1998, to support cooperation in the management, research, protection, conservation, and presentation of cultural and natural heritage.
“Through partnership and collaboration that transcends borders, we are committed to modern approaches to conserving our natural and cultural heritage in ways that advance Indigenous stewardship and more fully include diverse perspectives in commemorating our respective histories,” Hallman said. “By signing this agreement, Parks Canada and the National Park Service are renewing our shared commitment to working together towards common goals.”
The memorandum of understanding reaffirms various shared priorities for cooperation between the National Park Service and Parks Canada including:
- Indigenous-led conservation and increased collaboration with Indigenous people.
- Advancing nature-based climate solutions and climate change adaptation.
- Connecting people to history and nature.
- Park management and operations, visitor experience and safety, natural and cultural resource conservation, and wildfire management.
“Parks Canada is the National Park Service’s oldest international partner,” said Charles F. Sams, director of the U.S. National Park Service. “I’m honored to renew our commitment to collaboration and enrich and enhance our shared missions of stewardship.”
Designated in 1932, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is the world’s first International Peace Park. In 1995, it was also included on the UNESCO world heritage list.
