Engagement to Date

Banff National Park

The engagement process has now concluded. Thank you for all who provided feedback and questions.
A ‘What We Heard’ summary of the recent engagement, along with any next steps, will be made available in the coming months.

Engagement with Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, and the public is a vital step in preparing the application for OECM recognition of Ya Ha Tinda Ranch.

In the Spring of 2023, a two-phased engagement process was launched starting with early and ongoing dialogue with Indigenous Peoples and stakeholders in March (Phase One), followed by the current engagement involving the broader public (Phase Two). Parks Canada wants to ensure Canadians are aware of Parks Canada’s intent to apply for OECM recognition and offer the opportunity for involvement and comment to everyone. 

Phase One  Early conversations with Indigenous Peoples and key stakeholders about intent to apply to recognize Ya Ha Tinda Ranch as an OECM. Phase Two - We Are Here! Sharing progress and seeking feedback from Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, and the public!

What have we learned so far?

During Phase One between March 30 and May 13, 2023, Parks Canada invited Indigenous Peoples and key stakeholders to consider Parks Canada’s plans to apply for OECM recognition and let us know their questions or concerns.

Input was submitted to the Parks Canada in a variety of ways, including letters, emails, phone calls, and in-person and virtual meetings.

Parks Canada received feedback from Indigenous Peoples, Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations, the Government of Alberta, business representatives, interest groups and academics. Based on feedback, the following trends emerged which have helped inform our next steps:

The importance of Ya Ha Tinda Ranch:

We’ve heard strong support for the recognition of Ya Ha Tinda Ranch as OECM because of the unique way that the space functions and exists, its special cultural values, and its important ecological qualities.

Understanding what OECM recognition means:

We heard that understanding what OECM recognition means for Ya Ha Tinda Ranch is an important topic which people need to hear and want to learn more about. It was noted it is important for others to understand there are no physical or management changes involved in OECM recognition. There will be no new policy or regulatory restrictions introduced if the application is successful.

Inclusion of Indigenous perspectives:

Indigenous Peoples and stakeholders alike reaffirmed the connection of Indigenous Peoples to the lands and ecosystems of Ya Ha Tinda Ranch. A successful OECM application will consider Indigenous voices, guided by the knowledge shared during engagement.

Ongoing engagement:

Many of those who responded during Phase One of engagement were keen to be kept informed and involved as the application for OECM recognition of Ya Ha Tinda Ranch progresses towards a final submission in November 2023.

 

The engagement process

1. Planning Phase The Minister’s Office and Parks Canada consider Ya Ha Tinda Ranch as a candidate site for OECM recognition. OECMs contribute to Canada Target 1 to conserve 25% of our land and ocean area by 2025 and contribute to Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to conserve 30% of our land ocean area by 2030.
2. Ya Ha Tinda Ranch Assessment Parks Canada starts an assessment of Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, documenting how the site is currently managed and describing key features which contribute to biodiversity.
3. Phase One Engagement Parks Canada speaks with Indigenous Peoples and key stakeholders about the intent to apply to recognize Ya Ha Tinda Ranch as OECM.
4. Review of Phase One Engagement Reflecting on input received and levels of interest expressed, Parks Canada considers what we heard and must keep front of mind as we proceed forward in next steps.
5. Drafting an OECM Application Parks Canada drafts an application, summarizing how the site qualifies as an OECM using a Decision Support Tool.
6. **We Are Here** Phase Two Engagement Parks Canada seeks feedback from Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, and the public.
7. Review of Phase Two Engagement Parks Canada analyses feedback and contributions from Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders, and the public to inform the final OECM application.
8. Final OECM Application Parks Canada finalizes OECM application based on Ya Ha Tinda Ranch assessments, internal review, and engagement input.
9. Reporting On November 1st, 2023, Parks Canada will submit the final OECM boundary for inclusion in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD).
10. Final Outcome Parks Canada will share, a ‘What We Heard’ summary of public engagement and the final outcome of Parks Canada’s application.

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