Yukon College Instructor contributes to new book on Parks Canada

Yukon College instructor, Brad Martin, has contributed a northern perspective on the history of Parks Canada in a newly published book titled, “A Century of Parks Canada: 1911–2011”. Martin’s article examines how northern parks have been shaped by local First Nations and can be used as models for parks and protected areas throughout the world.

This publication features the work of Canada’s leading environmental history researchers. In his chapter titled, “Negotiating a Partnership of Interests: Inuvialuit Land Claims and the Establishment of Northern Yukon (Ivvavik) National Park”, Martin explores how the creation of northern national parks through the modern land claims process has helped establish more inclusive management practices within the Parks Canada agency. “The creation of national parks in Canada – and around the globe – has often resulted in the removal of indigenous and other local peoples from lands they traditionally used and occupied. The northern land claims process has provided First Nations with a tool to prevent this from happening and to shape how parks established on their traditional territories are managed”, said Martin.

This book focuses on the many challenges Parks Canada has faced in addressing the concerns and interests of local communities across the country. Martin states, “Our northern parks are unique in Canada and a model for the rest of the world because they reflect Aboriginal cultural values and permit participation by First Nations in park management decisions”.

This chapter has grown out of Martin’s PhD research on the northern land claims movement, a subject that he has taught at Yukon College. “Martin’s accomplishments illustrate the engagement of our instructors in northern issues and increase the profile of Yukon College throughout Canada”, said Karen Barnes, vice president, Education and Training.

Martin has taught Yukon First Nations history in the Heritage and Culture program at Yukon College. He is also working closely with the Office of First Nations Initiatives to develop curriculum for Continuing Education and Training. Martin is currently working on a PhD in northern history.

This book is published by the University of Calgary Press in its "Energy, Ecology, and the Environment" series (http://www.uofcpress.com/books/97815523852650). Brad Martin will also be co-editing the next book in this series, which addresses various aspects of northern environmental history, including mining, fisheries, and climate science. This next publication is scheduled for print in 2012.