National Park Service Director Chuck Sams and Parks Canada President and Chief Executive Officer Ron Hallman signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to reinforce the longstanding relationship between the two organizations during an event hosted in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
Parks Canada President and CEO Hallman was joined by NPS Intermountain Regional Director Kate Hammond and Glacier National Park Superintendent Dave Romer in Waterton while Director Sams participated virtually.
The parks leaders were joined by leaders from the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy) who opened the event with a welcome address.
National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said: “Parks Canada is the National Park Service’s oldest international partner. I am honored to renew our commitment to collaboration and enrich and enhance our shared missions of stewardship.”
The MOU outlines continued collaboration on the protection, presentation and management of cultural and natural heritage along shared transboundary places and co-stewardship with Indigenous peoples and was born out of recent discussions between the two park leaders at recent North American Wilderness and Protected Areas Committee meetings.
Parks Canada President and Chief Executive Officer Ron Hallman said: “For over a century, Parks Canada and the National Park Service have worked closely together on protecting and presenting some of the most beautiful natural spaces and interesting historical places in North America. Through partnership and collaboration that transcends borders, we are committed to modern approaches to conserving our natural and cultural heritage in ways that advance Indigenous stewardship and more fully include diverse perspectives in commemorating our respective histories. By signing this agreement, Parks Canada and the National Park Service are renewing our shared commitment to working together towards common goals.”
