Haynes Point Provincial Park will now be managed by the Osoyoos Indian Band under a new agreement with the provincial government.
The Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) has been given the managerial duties of both Haynes Point and Okanagan Falls provincial parks.
That’s the new deal between the OIB and the provincial government, which was announced on February 16.
Both parks will continue to be operated as recreational campgrounds, but the names will be changed.
Haynes Point Provincial Park was designated as an archaeological site after human remains were found there last April. According to the band, First Nations people were living on this site dating back as far as 10,000 years.
As for the Okanagan Falls park, it used to be First Nations land that was taken away by the federal government approximately 100 years ago, according to Chief Clarence Louie.
Louie acknowledged that some people won’t be happy that the OIB has taken over management duties of Haynes Point, and he disputes the claim that it’s all about economic gain. The chief told the Osoyoos Times that the band could close the park, but it’s willing to compromise and keep it open for tourists.
The OIB and the province are working to have both parks open for the camping season by April 1.
They have also agreed to officially rename the two parks, as well as McIntyre Bluff, another important OIB archaeological and cultural heritage site.
