Abstract:

This research focused on the lack of Indigenous representation in Jasper National Park (JNP) and the negative impacts it has on Indigenous communities and their relationship with JNP management. These representational issues foster the formation and dissemination of problematic Indigenous stereotypes and reinforce pan-Indigenous notions in Jasper and Canada. Relying on Indigenous Methodologies, we conducted semi-structured interviews with members of the Jasper Indigenous Forum and JNP management. The research participants identified several areas of concern: Indigenous histories and cultures presented from non-Indigenous perspectives; a lack of consultation and cultural awareness; and the presence of culturally insensitive structures in the park, including the Haida Totem poles discussed in this article. The findings encourage park managers to rethink representational images to account for the impacts on local Indigenous peoples and reconsider the educational opportunities to help reconcile the past and move forward to address some of the concerns of Indigenous peoples in Jasper and more broadly throughout North America.