The Ontario and Manitoba governments are teaming up to make a land now encompassing five First Nation communities into a world heritage site.
Ontario Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti and Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship Gord Mackintosh announced their support for the Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Project at the Valhalla Inn Friday.
The two ministers are asking the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to include the project on its world heritage list.
The project looks to gain international recognition for 33,400 square kilometres of land that spreads across both provinces. The land is also home to five First Nation communities: Bloodvein River, Little Grand Rapids, Pauingassi, Pikangikum and Poplar River.
The land also includes Manitoba’s Atikaki Provincial Park and Ontario’s Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and Eagle Snowshoe Conservation Reserve.
Orazietti said they hope making the area a heritage site will attract more Eco tourists and bring more awareness to protecting the environment.
“It’s really the heartland of the boreal forest region,” he said. “We believe it is a world class region. Ontario has only one other site like this -- the Rideau Canal. We’re hoping to elevate the status of its protection.”
He added that they hope to get the designation in June.
