Crippen Park envelops Snug Cove and stretches toward the middle of the island, around Killarney Lake. Its proximity to the ferry as well as public amenities make it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The question is not whether Crippen Park should be protected, the question is who can protect it effectively, especially in light of the recent debate about the pros and cons of creating a national park reserve on Bowen Island. Would Crippen Park lands be best left in the hands of the province as is currently as case? Or would the inclusion in a national park be a desirable alternative?
Brian Bawtinheimer of BC Parks wrote a letter on the subject to the National Parks Council Committee (NPCC). Councillor Nerys Poole, head of the NPCC, presented it to council on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Poole said, "This is a challenging issue to deal with. One of the things that has been mentioned is that Crippen, as fee simple title land, is currently protected and that including it in a national park reserve would potentially open it up to First Nations land claims. The counter argument is that due to the Aboriginal rights that are currently in effect, all Crown lands are potentially subject to treaty negotiations."
In the letter, Bawtinheimer states, "Recently a question arose whether or not regional government lands could be considered in land selection negotiations during treaty negotiations. Specifically, Crippen Regional Park was identified and clarity was sought on the future potential of these lands in any future treaty negotiations."
In order to gain clarification, Bawtinheimer contacted the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR) and learned that due to complexities in the land selection processes, the question requires considerations that would only be identified at the individual treaty negotiation level.
The MARR offered the following statement, "Lands under the administration of regional districts are not normally considered as potential treaty settlement lands during treaty negotiations. However, this does not mean that regional lands would never be considered." In short, there are no guarantees that the province can keep Crippen off the table should it come to treaty negotiations. The MARR also says that under certain circumstances, "either the province or the First Nation may indicate a specific and/or critical reason for considering regional district lands, especially of there are specific values of the lands associated with the First Nation or the treaty objectives were present and not available on other lands. Should this situation occur, the treaty teams would consult and negotiate with the regional district to determine if options exist to include the lands in an offer."
Currently there is no claim on Bowen's Crown lands. Poole said, "To my knowledge, the Squamish First Nation is not currently engaged in treaty negotiations. Since that is the case, why should they either confirm or deny any potential interest?"
As part of the assessment study for a national park on Bowen, Parks Canada has engaged the Squamish First Nation and the Hul'quumi'num Treaty Group in a discussion about their involvement. Poole sees the conversation as an exciting opportunity. She says, "Parks Canada would bring First Nations' involvement to Bowen Island. I, for one, have had very little exposure to First Nations culture and would welcome the opportunity to learn more." As an example, Poole refers to Parks Canada's revised concept plan that relates the agency's experience in working with First Nations groups in the Gulf Islands National Park through engaging stories and images in visitor publications and signage as well as events that highlight cultural heritage.
Poole said, "If a national park would go ahead, that would present an opportunity for the Squamish First Nation to share some of the history and tradition. I see more potential than cause of fear." She also believes that both Parks Canada and the province would would make every effort to find alternatives if treaty negotiations were initiated about Crippen Park.
