Page 14 - Canadian Wilderness spring summer 2017

Supreme Court hears Peel Watershed Above: Na Cho Nyak Dun citizen, Elizabeth
case on World Water Day Moses, at a 2014 rally opposing the Yukon plan
to industrialize the Peel. Photo:Tyler Khun.
It has been nearly three decades since Out of the effort to preserve these Left: A delegation from the Peel Watershed
the Yukon chapter of CPAWS began rivers grew an unprecedented campaign on steps of the Supreme Court of Canada.
studying the Peel Watershed and helping alongside First Nations to protect the Photo: Justin van Leeuwen
the people of Yukon fall in love with entire watershed for future generations.
this iconic landscape. It started with a About the size of Nova Scotia and On March 22,World Water Day, the
campaign to protect the Bonnet Plume almost entirely undisturbed from roads Supreme Court of Canada heard
River, followed by the Wind and Snake and industry, the Peel is true wilderness. the Peel Watershed case.The case
Rivers, some of the purest and cleanest It is a place where nature continues to requires a landmark interpretation of
waters in the country, uncompromised be limitless, something that is becoming Yukon’s modern-day treaties and a
by pollution. increasingly rare around the world. ruling on indigenous rights, which are
key to holding the line against reckless
development, in the Peel and across the
continent. After decades of advocacy,
the court’s decision could ensure
the protection of the majority of this
remarkable land.

- Jason LaChapelle, CPAWS Yukon
For more information, visit www.cpawsyukon.org

Huge step towards a new National Park Reserve in BC

After six years of delays in the process to protect the
unique desert habitats of the South Okanagan, the
BC government recently announced their intention
to work with Parks Canada and local First Nations
to make the proposed National Park Reserve for the
region a reality.This is huge, as creating this park will
safeguard important habitat for a diversity of species,
from burrowing owls nesting in valley bottoms to
bighorn sheep seeking refuge in the mountains, and will
bring in new funds and jobs to the region.

Since 2002, CPAWS BC has been working with local Parent and baby mountain goat in BC.
communities and our supporters to permanently Photo: Jason Puddifoot
protect these fragile ecosystems in a National Park
Reserve that respects First Nations culture and
traditions, while preserving wildlife connectivity. It’s the
best way to ensure we’re leaving a lasting legacy for
generations to come, and so we look forward to the
work ahead that will help protect these lands which are
crucial for local families and First Nations, and for the
endangered wildlife that call this place home.

- Jessie Corey, CPAWS BC
Learn more at www.sosnationalpark.ca

14 • Canadian Wilderness • SPRING/SUMMER 2017 www.cpaws.org