Image: Group photo on the dock at the Bonne Bay Marine Station.
Photo Credit: Bonne Bay Marine Station / Dr. Robert Scott
For the past forty years, the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) and Canadian Parks Council (CPC) have shared a special relationship and history. This year, aligning with the CPC and PARKS+ Collective’s new model and branding, our annual general meeting evolved to a congress bringing together parks directors, students, research fellows, panelists, and leadership participants from across the country.
The congress, held from October 1st to 4th in the historic Glynmill Inn in Corner Brook, Newfoundland served as a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing best practices, and celebrating the achievements in river and parks conservation over the past year. Newfoundland and Labrador, known for its stunning landscapes and rich heritage, is home to two designated Canadian Heritage Rivers—the Main River and the Bay du Nord River.
Key Themes and Highlights of the Congress
Image: A colourful ‘Corner Brook’ sign in a city park.
Photo Credit: Parks Canada / Marleine Gélineau
Throughout the four-day event, participants explored a wide range of topics related to river conservation, sustainable tourism, and the role of parks and protected areas in promoting environmental stewardship. The theme of this year’s congress, “Collaborating for Abundance in the Parks System,” emphasized the need for cooperation across all levels of government to ensure the sustainable management of rivers and other natural resources.
One of the highlights of the congress was a welcome address by Tara Saunders, member of the Qalipu First Nation and Director of Business Development, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, who spoke about the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge into conservation efforts. Saunders underscored how Indigenous perspectives, particularly those rooted in a deep connection to water and the land, are essential to the future of river stewardship in Canada.
CHRS Annual General Meeting and Workshop
The CHRS Annual General Meeting was another important event during the congress. Key agenda items included financial expenditures for 2024/2025, communications strategies, and updates on river nominations and designations. Attention was given to the upcoming Canadian River Heritage Award nominations, updating the Principles, Procedures, and Operational Guidelines (PPOG) as well as the 10-year monitoring report and the retrospective study aimed at understanding the accomplishments of the system during its 40-year history.
During the workshop, attendees focused on integrating natural and cultural values into one comprehensive framework for river stewardship. This work will contribute to the program’s renewed priority of weaving Indigenous worldviews and perspectives into key program elements.
Workshops and Discussions
The congress offered a variety of workshops that tackled critical issues facing parks and protected areas, with a particular focus on collaboration. The PARKS+ Collective provided a model for how parks and conservation professionals can leverage social capital to respond to current challenges and future opportunities. Through workshops, presentations, and networking sessions, participants explored how sharing resources and research, building connections across organizations, and nurturing trust and collaboration are key to driving impactful conservation efforts.
Celebrating Award Recipients
At the reception dinner and awards ceremony, the Canadian Parks Council gave out awards that honoured individuals and organizations for achievements in park management, conservation, leadership, and environmental innovation. Award recipients share a deep commitment to enhancing Canada’s parks and protected areas, fostering collaborative approaches, and promoting sustainable conservation practices.
Though CHRS did not have an award to present that night, past recipients of the Canadian River Heritage and Stewardship Awards were honored for their outstanding contributions to river conservation. These individuals and organizations have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to protecting Canada’s rivers, with their stories serving as powerful reminders of what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and passion for the natural world.
Field Tour
Image: The rocky shoreline of Barachois Pond.
Photo Credit: Parks Canada / Marleine Gélineau
Participants had the opportunity to experience Newfoundland and Labrador’s remarkable landscapes firsthand through a field tour. Each site visited showcased different aspects of sustainability, research, and community collaboration:
- Barachois Pond Provincial Park: Participants viewed the park’s large solar panel, learning about Barachois’ innovative approach to sustainability and using solar energy within the park system.
- Gros Morne National Park Visitor Centre: Participants explored how the park is embracing sustainable tourism practices to minimize environmental impact while maximizing community involvement, Indigenous collaboration, and visitor engagement.
- Norris Point and Bonne Bay: Known for its unique research sites, this part of the tour highlighted research collaborations between academic institutions, local communities, and parks agencies.
Image: A passenger examines Bonne Bay from onboard the ferry.
Photo Credit: Parks Canada / Marleine Gélineau
That’s a Wrap!
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System Congress 2024 in Corner Brook was a resounding success, providing a vibrant space for dialogue, collaboration, and celebration. As CHRS looks to the future, its commitment to stewarding rivers in Canada is stronger than ever. From Indigenous leadership to community-based conservation, the congress showcased the many ways Canadians are working together to ensure that rivers and protected places will continue to thrive for generations to come.