Management Plan Implementation Annual Update, 2020

Obadjiwan–Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site

Introduction
Strategy
Conclusion

Title: Obadjiwan—Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site — 2020 Management Plan Implementation Annual Update

Introduction

The Obadjiwan–Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site Management Plan, created in 2007, sets out the long-term strategy for the site as well as how the site is administered.

The mandate of Parks Canada is to protect and present significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage, and to foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of these places in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.

The purpose of this annual update is to share 2020 achievements with partners, Indigenous communities, stakeholders and the public.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the site remained open with limited services from July 15 to August 30, 2020. Free admission was offered to 4,379 visitors during this period.

This short summary reports on the progress made in implementing the management plan over the past year.

Strategy

Objective

Work in close cooperation with the other community stakeholders to protect commemorative integrity, manage the landscapes, and deliver quality visitor services.

To promote its activities and regional tourism, the historic site remains a member of the following associations: Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Mémoire des chemins d'eau, Regroupement des musées d'Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Société d'histoire du Témiscamingue.

Objective

Ask the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada for clarification on the physical limits of the designated site.

The text of the new Obadjiwan-Fort Témiscamingue plaque is being developed in consultation with partners and specialists.

Objective

Draw up a new management plan based on the results obtained in applying the above measures.

The process of developing a new management plan will begin in 2021 following the establishment of a trustee committee.

Objective

Ensure that the physical integrity of the archaeological remains, both visible and buried, is protected at all times.

The site's maintenance team conducts annual monitoring of the remains.

Objective

Regularly monitor the condition of the site's cultural and human-made resources and provide necessary maintenance.

Maintenance of the cultural and human-made resources at the national historic site is carried out on an ongoing basis by site staff.

Objective

Develop services that increase visitor attendance, maintain visitor satisfaction ratings, and foster a sense of belonging and pride on the part of the local community and the broader region.

Road and site signs have been revised in line with the new designation of the site. This allows for the three languages used on the site to be highlighted: Anishinabe, French and English.

Conclusion — next steps

In the coming year, the priority for Parks Canada and its partners will be to proceed with the implementation of the trust governance model which was unfortunately delayed in 2020 due to the pandemic. Active collaboration with its regional partners, the implementation of a dynamic service selection and the integration of the site into the surrounding communities will also be important objectives for the ObadjiwanFort Témiscamingue National Historic Site.

These initiatives will strengthen the site's vitality and reaffirm the commitment of Parks Canada to preserving and showcasing this important part of the country's history for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

In 2021, the national historic site will be open to the public. Sanitary measures will be put in place to ensure a safe visit. Parks Canada will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and adjust the site's service selection as required.