Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program

News release

New agreements provide complimentary entry to Lower Fort Garry and Riel House for Manitoba Metis Federation citizens

October 6, 2020                         Winnipeg, Manitoba            Parks Canada Agency

As part of Parks Canada’s Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program, Parks Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) are proud to announce that MMF citizens are being offered free access to Lower Fort Garry and Riel House national historic sites.

Working together with more than 300 Indigenous groups across Canada, Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples are partners in conserving Canada’s natural and cultural heritage and sharing the stories of these treasured places. Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples work together to develop interpretive materials and activities at national parks and historic sites with the goal of fostering a better understanding of Indigenous peoples’ cultures and traditions.

Parks Canada’s Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program provides ease of access, by removing entry fees, to people who have traditional ties with Parks Canada sites as a way of encouraging their reconnection to these heritage places. The Manitoba Metis Federation shares in the traditional connection that Metis people of Manitoba have with the lands and waters comprising Lower Fort Garry and Riel House national historic sites.

To gain complimentary entry to Lower Fort Garry and Riel House, citizens of the Manitoba Metis Community are requested to present their MMF Citizenship or Harvester Card. With presentation of either of these cards, Parks Canada will provide Metis citizens with free entry for the duration of their visit.

As the fall approaches, Parks Canada’s 2020 visitor season is coming to a close for most national historic sites, however the Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program will remain in effect for future seasons without expiry. Parks Canada looks forward to providing free access to and welcoming citizens of the Manitoba Metis Community for years to come.

The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians is of the utmost importance and Parks Canada is following the advice and guidance of public health experts in resuming visitor access and services in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. Both Lower Fort Garry and Riel House national historic sites have recently closed for the 2020 season, however will be open once again to visitors in spring 2021. Visitors are asked to plan ahead by checking the Parks Canada website before they travel to find out: what is open, what they can expect and how to prepare for their visit.

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“Parks Canada is proud of the new agreements with the Manitoba Metis Federation which will provide their citizens with complimentary access to Lower Fort Garry and Riel House national historic sites. Realized through Parks Canada’s Indigenous Peoples Open Doors Program, these agreements represent tangible components of Parks Canada’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and the Government of Canada."

“Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that recognizes and honours the contributions of Indigenous peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationships Indigenous peoples have with traditional lands and waters. Parks Canada and the Manitoba Metis Federation share a common interest in protecting the natural and cultural resources of Lower Fort Garry and Riel House national historic sites. We hope these new agreements will provide members of the Metis Nation’s Manitoba Metis Community with additional opportunities to explore their historic and contemporary connection to these natural and cultural resources.”