Cultural Use Area

The Jasper National Park Cultural Use Area is a place set aside for Indigenous partners to use for reconnecting to the land, cultural learning, ceremony and celebration. The desire for a dedicated cultural heritage space within Jasper National Park came from discussions between the Jasper Indigenous Forum (Forum) and Parks Canada. A site blessing and powwow was held in August 2012 to initiate the dedication of the site, and use of the Cultural Use Area started in June 2013.

Indigenous partners have identified the purpose of the Cultural Use Area as a place for physical, spiritual and cultural reconnection and healing in a wilderness setting and private area. The site is closed to the general public to ensure respect for privacy and this sacred space. Even when not in use, it is critical to respect this closure to the public to eliminate impacts and keep the site intact for ceremonial purposes.