Haida Nation secures park management contract

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As part of the Liberal government's strategy to privatize public services, the Haida at the northern end of Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) have been awarded a contract to manage a provincial park.

The Haida were chosen from among four finalists applying for the contract.

Following the completion of an extensive 50-page application outlining how the park will be administered, the three-year contract was settled on May 15. The Haida will maintain the campgrounds and services of Naikoon Provincial Park along with some other smaller facilities in the northeast region of the Islands until the end of March 2006. Then they have first right of renewal for up to an additional seven years.

Spearheading the bid was the reserve's Economic Development Officer, John Disney. The reasons were straightforward as to why he believes Old Massett should become involved in park administration.

"For employment and to get our foot in the door regarding the park that's in our backyard," Disney said.

For providing services such as keeping the camps and picnic areas clean, insuring that water and toilet facilities are functioning and monitoring the public's behavior, the reserve will be paid $300,000 over the next three years. They'll get the money in monthly installments. In addition, the band will keep user fees, which amounts to $15 per person per day.

Initially, there will be two seasonal employees earning up to $14 an hour, and possibly that will grow to six full-time workers during the summer tourist season.

They won't be park wardens. Disney stated there is a big difference between the administration of the parks and enforcing park laws. Their Haida staff will observe and note any infractions, but will not have powers to enforce or arrest.

"If we see people breaking the rules, what we do is caution and advise of B.C. Parks laws. Then we will record and report," Disney said.

Although the area of Naikoon Provincial Park encompasses 726 square kilometres, Old Massett people will only be responsible for 90 kilometres of road where the majority of the public travels. The remainder of the park continues to be the responsibility of B.C. Parks.

The area supervisor for Naikoon is Dan Bate, located 65 kilometres south in Tlell. He's familiar with private citizens maintaining the park systems, though this will be the first time that contracts are longer. He anticipates the working relationship with the Haida will be the same as with other companies, but as this is a multi-year agreement, his role will eventually be minimized.

"As things are going smoothly, they're going to be left more in control," said Bate.

Although the Haida appear to be doing well financially in this agreement, Bate said they took a risk when they signed this agreement. Although contingencies and small administrative costs were budgeted, they could only estimate the revenue they'll get from park visitors. It's possible to operate at a loss.

"We take a risk because we've estimated what the revenues will be for tourists, and if we're short, we absorb the costs," said Disney. "I can't go back to (B.C.) Parks and say, 'We lost money, can you give us more?' because we've signed a contract."

The Haida will also begin to operate a campsite near Naikoon later this summer. Disney foresees that as the government offloads its responsibilities for park maintenance, this land adjacent to their current property known as Agate Beachcould be up for sale. It would be a natural addition to their operation, said Bate.