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First Nations and MNR to enter into talks about Springwater Park’s future 2

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In Council Watch
Dec 20th, 2013
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By Ian McInroy, Barrie Examiner

SPRINGWATER TWP. — Springwater Provincial Park will soon be occupied no more.

The 193-hectare day-use park north of Barrie has been occupied by a determined group of First Nations protesters since April 1 when the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) changed the status of the park to non-operational.

It remains open to the public but comfort stations were closed, the wildlife compound was shut down and the entranceway gated to prevent vehicles from entering. The 107-year-old park has been a destination for hikers, picnickers, family reunions and outdoor gatherings for years.

First Nations took exception to the change of status because they were not consulted.

Now, they will be.

Beausoleil First Nation and the MNR have agreed to enter into discussions to ensure the interest of Camp Nibi — as a group of First Nations women who have occupied the park have renamed it — and its traditional, cultural and spiritual education activities continues. Since April there have been ceremonies, teachings, potluck suppers and a connection with the land and the surrounding community.

“The traditional territories of Beausoleil First Nation will be protected and our teachings and ceremony will continue. Camp Nibi and Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge will have a voice in the planning and development of the park lands for the continued use of all in the future,” said Elizabeth Brass Elson, one of the original protesters.

The three First Nations women who have been staying in the park will soon be leaving, but not forgetting, the park they called home for nine months.

“We’re the confident with the way talks have gone and confident enough that we can go home to our own beds,” Brass Elson said. “We forged a good relationship with Ontario Parks (part of the MNR). Everything I was expecting when I first came here has come into play.

“The support from the surrounding communities has been great and we’ve had First Nations out here supporting us too. We’ll still be carrying on our ceremonies and keeping with those (people) we’ve friended here.”

Brass Elson said she’s grown to love the land encompassing Springwater Provincial Park.

“I found my true spiritual connection with the land here,” she said. “Chi Miigwetch, a big thank you, to all those who supported us, our friends and our allies. And special thanks to Beausoleil First Nation and Ontario Parks for recognizing our vision for these lands.”

Jolanta Kowalski, of the MNR, said there is still much to do in regards to the park’s future.

“The ministry is pleased to be working with Beausoleil First Nation to discuss a future partnership for the operation of Springwater Provincial Park,” she said. “The ministry has committed to working with the First Nations. However at this time, an agreement has not been signed and details of the partnership have not been determined.

“We appreciate the interests expressed by the First Nation individuals who had occupied the park and respect their commitment to First Nation traditions and culture. The public can continue to enter the park and enjoy the use of the park for activities like hiking or snowshoeing.”

Kowalski re-iterated that the park is not closed and that the province and the MNR, which took over the area in 1958, is not considering selling it.

Ontario Parks has existing partnerships with other organizations and municipalities to operate other provincial parks, she added.

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