Parks Blog

Category: Cultural Heritage

  • Taking steps on the journey toward truth and reconciliation

    “What is Ontario Parks doing to support reconciliation?” We’ve heard that question more and more often, whether asked in a park or via social media message, whether asked by an Indigenous Person or a non-Indigenous person, we genuinely welcome the question. Ontario Parks is committed to a journey of meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We…

  • An outsider’s view on the importance of Anishinaabemowin

    Today’s post comes from retired Quetico Provincial Park biologist Brian Jackson.  Anishinaabemowin is the traditional name for the language of the Anishinaabeg or Ojibway people who have lived for centuries on the land now known as Quetico Provincial Park. In recent years, Quetico has taken steps to incorporate more Anishinaabemowin into educational material for the park.…

  • The life of a lumberjack in 5 objects

    Today’s post comes from Sonje Bols, a Discovery Program Coordinator with Ontario Parks’ Northeast Zone.  Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be a lumberjack 100 years ago? Was it a life full of adventure? Or was it a hard, grinding existence? Did some lumberjacks really have superhuman strength? How much truth…

  • How Pancake Bay got its name

    Today’s post comes from — you guessed it — Pancake Bay Provincial Park. Where did the name Pancake Bay come from? The answer changes depending on who you ask. Ask a local and they’ll tell you one story. Ask a Pancake Bay staff member and they’ll tell you another. Ask a child and they will tell…

  • The measure of a canoe trip

    Today’s post is a polite rant from Quetico Provincial Park’s Librarian Jill Sorensen. We seem to constantly hear about expedition-style trips. Grunt narratives where people have broken speed records, paddled the longest distances, or have been “the first” to complete a route. The blisters. The sleep deprivation. The endurance. And that is fine. I have…

  • 80 years of change in Neys’ sand dunes

    Today’s post comes from Micaela Lewis, a Discovery Program student at Neys Provincial Park. Gazing through Neys’ iconic forested dune system is an awe-inspiring experience that park visitors cherish. With the soft sand, lichen-covered trees, and colourful wildflowers, the forest appears almost enchanted. But the landscape didn’t always look this way. The dunes have been present…

  • A brief introduction to Anishinaabemowin

    Today’s post comes from DJ Fife, a park warden at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. DJ takes every opportunity available to promote the preservation of Anishinaabemowin during programs at the park and in everyday life. DJ has taught Anishnaabemowin for several semesters at Georgian College in Barrie and during several other cultural events. Anishinaabemowin has and always will…

  • Voices of the river: exploring the French River Visitor Centre

    Today’s post comes from Dave Sproule, a Natural Heritage Education Specialist in our Northeast Zone.  Can you hear the water speak?  The waters of the French River have many voices. These voices travelled the river and lived along its shores. The French River has been a conduit for people, goods, and culture for thousands of years.…

  • The wreck of the Lambton

    Today’s post comes from Kenton Otterbein, Discovery Program leader at Killbear Provincial Park. In a time before instant communication, accurate weather forecasts, or GPS, the navigation lights and lighthouses on the Great Lakes helped guide ships to safe harbour through dangerous shoals and stormy seas. Just over 100 years ago, one ship met its early…

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