Morice Land and Resource Management Plan
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- First Nations Cultural Heritage Site Development
- Opportunity Analysis
- Location Analysis
ConclusionAt this time no opportunity to create new viable campground facilities was identified although local knowledge of a high-class location may foster justification for further study. Recommendations to LRMP TableDo not undertake management of Forestry sites, or start new recreation site projects, as a business venture, if profit is the objective. If the sole objective is protecting and maintaining a local recreational asset, or controlling public liabilities, or as a strategy within a Tourism Plan to enhance length of visitor stays, and it is seen as a widespread local priority, local and provincial governments would have to consider this in their economic development strategies. However, it must be understood that while local businesses will generate increased revenues from gas, food and recreational sales, user fees will not cover the maintenance costs of the asset. There is a possibility, subject to successful negotiations, of securing an operational subsidy from the government, however, it must be pointed out that the fee subsidy scale is so low, private partners can not be attracted to operate some of the high priority locations. No subsidy would be available to cover real administration, legal and negotiation costs, and labour costs would have to be under contract. The subsidy is not adequate to cover hourly labour charges. Recommendation - Do not undertake management of Forestry sites, or start new recreation site projects, as a business venture, if direct profit is the objective. Recommendation - If direct profit is not the objective, more so the indirect benefit to other businesses or municipalities is the objective preservation of these sites is required. Recommendation - Access to FS Recreation Sites should be maintained. First Nations Cultural Heritage Site DevelopmentOverviewI
 n BC there are approximately 196 Bands with both a significant current population and a growing population. Historically the number of FN’s people living in BC was much greater. In BC’s Northwest the overall population is falling and the number of FNs members is rising, increasing the percentage of Northwest residents who are of First Nations decent. The significant historical presence is dramatically under represented in BC’s tourism industry. For example there are three major First Nations attractions between Hope and Prince Rupert including both routes to Alaska and all three major routes to Alberta. The three attractions are Quaaot Lodge near Chase, Xats’ull Heritage Village near Williams Lake and ‘Ksan Village in Hazelton. Given the rising provincial, national and international interest in First Nations people, there is significant under representation of their heritage for visitors see and learn about BC’s First Peoples.
The Wet’suwet’en traditional territory includes most of the area within the Morice LRMP. There are no permanently occupied Wet’suwet’en communities within the boundaries of the LRMP but there are four communities adjacent to the planning area and 17 reserves inside the planning area. Highway 16 is the main highway (and only highway) between the major communities in the Northwest. It is the main visitor route for people travelling by road to Alaska via Highway 37, to Prince Rupert and Queen Charlottes, to Vancouver Island via ferry along the inside passage and to Alaska via the Alaskan ferry system. Opportunity AnalysisThe Pacific Northwest is well known internationally for its large pre-contact First Nations communities. A key attraction in the area is ‘Ksan Museum and associated arts centre in Hazelton. In 2000 ‘Ksan pulled 18,100 people off the highway (paying customers – more come and visit the grounds but don’t pay the fee as it is on the honour system) which is well off Highway 16. It represented a little less than 5% of the summer highway traffic along Highway 16. The number of visitors was down approximately 15% from 1998 and 1999. It is important to recognize that ‘Ksan is more than three decades old and has been on the list of ‘must see’ for visitors to the Northwest for a long time. The Wet’suwet’en community of Moricetown has significant plans to develop a visitor observation site at Moricetown canyon which is located right beside Highway 16. The Gitanyow at Kitwancool have recently developed a visitor centre next to their famous poles in the centre of the village northwest of Kitwanga. With the ageing population in North America, combined with their increased affluence and an interest in travel, there will continue to be a demand for cultural tourism in the Northwest. Clearly there is already a substantial demonstrated interest in connecting with the Northwest First Nations culture by visitors and residents alike. Location Analysis
The Wet’suwet’en have identified a series of sites south of Houston for eco-tourism opportunities (Morice LRMP Base Case Report: Socio-economic Analysis – Page 75). Some of these identified areas are currently used by many residents, and visitors e.g. Morice Forestry Campsite sees 150 parties per week in July and August each year and the Nanika Kidprice Canoe Route is popular as well. The areas currently in use have demonstrated appeal to those interested in front and back country activities. Nanika Kidprice Areas of cultural significance along the Bulkley River that are close to Houston, present the highest opportunity for a cultural demonstration site which is economically viable. A site with highway or near highway frontage close to Houston would create a site where a visitor centre and active demonstration area could be established that would reflect the activities of First Nations in this sub-region of BC. Download 1.06 Mb. Share with your friends:
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