A new provincial law introduced in Victoria aims to expand Naikoon Park in the northeastern part of the Haida archipelago by 104 hectares.
鈥淚ndigenous people have been stewards of the water, land and wildlife for millennia,鈥� said B.C. Environment and Parks minister Tamara Davidson.
鈥淓xpanding B.C.鈥檚 parks and protected-areas system enhances protection of important ecological, recreational, cultural and historical values that make these places special,鈥� Davidson added.
Naikoon Park derives its name from the Haida words Ne虂e Kun, meaning 鈥淗ouse Point.鈥� The area encompasses numerous culturally and spiritually significant places, as well as historic village sites and important food-gathering locations.
The additional hectares surrounding the existing park will further enhance wildlife habitat protection in the area.
Amendments to the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act will also remove one hectare from the park to allow the expansion of a neighbouring cemetery. Additionally, several boundary descriptions of protected areas will undergo administrative updates.
Visitors enjoy the dynamic Naikoon Park and beach through camping, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and fishing, among other activities.