Town of Jasper Land Acknowledgement 

The Municipality of Jasper respects and acknowledges that the present-day Municipality of Jasper sits on the ancestral and Traditional Territories of Indigenous Peoples. Through the use of a territorial acknowledgement, the Municipality of Jasper:

• Honours the relationship between this land and the Indigenous Peoples that were present and thrived in this area since time immemorial
• Acknowledges the past and ongoing impacts of the colonization of Indigenous Peoples and lands
• Recognizes the present-day relationship Indigenous Peoples have with this area
• Commits to ongoing reconciliation efforts in partnership with those whose Traditional Territory the Municipality of Jasper occupies

Read the Municipality of Jasper Land Acknowledgement Policy

Municipal Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation 

To continue along our path of reconciliation, we hired a new Coordinator. A person who will build connections with the Indigenous Partners who have historical and ongoing connections to this area. We aim to form lasting relationships to move in a forward direction for our shared future.

 The Municipality of Jasper Strategic Priorities 2022-2026 

Council's Proclamation for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls 

Read the proclamation Council made on April 16th, 2024 here.

For Indigenous Relations please contact Project Coordinator Jenna McGrath jmcgrath@jasper-alberta.ca 

Parks Canada Sharing the Stage Program

Indigenous traditions, stories and knowledge have shaped the history of what is now known as Jasper National Park. To honour the contributions of these First Nations and to celebrate their influence on the region since time immemorial, Parks Canada has invited Indigenous partners to share the stage at Whistlers and Wabasso campgrounds this summer.

On selected evenings in July and August, visitors and community members will hear directly from Indigenous partners through meaningful and engaging interpretive programming. These presentations will cover a range of topics that will offer insights into the history, stories and traditions of local First Nations. Programs will include the early fur trade in the Athabasca Valley, settlement in the area, and a session that will teach the traditional Red River Jig. There is no better way to learn about the human history of the park than from the First Nations people who helped to shape it.

Programs are free of charge and everyone is welcome to attend!

National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21^st

This is a day for all Canadians to reflect on the vital contributions Indigenous Peoples have made to the identity, culture and landscapes of Canada.

For National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2022, the Municipality of Jasper was honored to welcome Elder John Wesley and family for a pipe ceremony and to raise the Every Child Matters flag at our firehall. Below are pictures from the ceremony and excerpts of Mayor Ireland’s speech on National Indigenous Peoples Day. 

"We are all mountain people, e iska win cha sabby; happy to share the peace, the beauty and the spirituality of these valleys, rivers, ridges and peaks. 

We recognize that for some Indigenous people, the mountains themselves are their ancestors: watching over and protecting us all."

"This land – which bears the traces of Indigenous presence from time immemorial – is today our cherished home.  It is, as well, the traditional territory, the meeting ground, the gathering place, the travelling route, and the home of a multitude of Indigenous peoples.

Today we celebrate our shared heritage, our shared history, our shared home, and, most significantly, our shared future."

"A future made better - made possible - through reconciliation."

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30^th 

In 2021, with support from the Municipality of Jasper, The Jasper Film club hosted a free outdoor screening of the film Resilient: The Aseniwuche Winewak Story on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Watch the Resilient: The Aseniwuche Winewak Story. 

Indigenous Partners of the Jasper National Park area:

• Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation
• Aseniwuche Winewak Nation
• Enoch Cree Nation
• Ermineskin Cree Nation
• Foothills Ojibway Society
• Horse Lake First Nation
• Kelly Lake Cree Nation
• Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society
• Lac Ste. Anne Métis
• Louis Bull Tribe
• Mountain Cree
• Mountain Métis
• Nakcowinewak Nation of Canada
• O'Chiese First Nation
• Paul First Nation
• Samson Cree Nation
• Simpcw First Nation
• Stoney Nakoda Nations (representing 3 Nations - Chiniki, Wesley, and Bearspaw Nations)
• Sucker Creek First Nation
• Sunchild First Nation
• Swan River First Nation

Resources and Ongoing Learning

• Read about Jasper National Park Indigenous connections on Parks Canada Website. 
• Truth & Reconciliation - Cultural Sensitivity for Indigenous Relations 
• Indigenous Canada | Coursera Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson free course offered by the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies. From an indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective. 
• 7 Cree Principles by AWN 
• We Know the Truth: Stories to inspire reconciliation  – stories from Residential school survivors – stories to inspire the truth, CBC. 
• Visit the City of Edmonton T&R Resource list for podcasts, courses and other learning resources for Truth and Reconciliation. 
• Download the "Greetings and Gratitude Words" poster below.