Annual update of the 2018 Management Plan— 2019 Season

Obadjiwan–Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site

Table of contents

Obadjiwan–Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site © Parks Canada, 2020.

Obadjiwan--Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site Management Plan 2007 sets out the long-term strategy for the site as well as how the site is administered.

Parks Canada’s mandate is to protect and present nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure the ecological and commemorative integrity of these places for present and future generations.

The purpose of this annual update is to share 2019 achievements with partners, Indigenous communities, stakeholders and the public.

« Attendance has increased by 14%, from 6,029 visitors in 2016 to 7,007 visitors in 2019. »

This short summary reports on the progress made in implementing the Management Plan over the past year.

Strategy

Objective : While maintaining our commitments with all the other community stakeholders, conclude the negociation of a Trust Patrimony Agreement with the Timiskaming First Nation.

  • The Trust Agreement has been signed with the Timiskaming First Nation. An official announcement was made on July 5, 2019, in the presence of the Timiskaming First Nation, Parks Canada and local stakeholder representatives.

Objective : Work in close cooperation with the other community stakeholders to protect commemorative integrity, manage the landscapes, and deliver quality visitor services.

  • The service provided by Parks Canada in complemented and enhanced by the Amis du Vieux Fort and the Timiskaming First Nation, which offers visitors workshops on Indigenous traditional knowledge.
  • The “O’Profonde” exhibit by painter Lyne Gagnon was displayed in the multipurpose room from July 1 to September 2, 2019.
  • To promote its activities and regional tourism, the historic site collaborates with the following associations : Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Mémoire des chemins d’eau, Réseau muséal d’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Société d’histoire du Témiscamingue.

Objective : Ask the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada for clarification on the physical limits of the designated site.

  • In 2019, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) reviewed the reasons for designation and confirmed the new name, ``Obadjiwan—Fort Témiscamingue``. The HSMBC made no changes to site boundaries.

Objective : Draw up a new management plan based on the results obtained in applying the above measures.

  • A new planning process will be launched shortly that includes matters related to the new Trust Patrimony Agreement.

Objective : Ensure that the physical integrity of the archaeological remains, both visible and buried, is protected at all times.

  • The site’s maintenance team conducts annual monitoring of the remains.

Objective : Regularly monitor the condition of the site’s cultural and built resources and provide necessary maintenance.

  • Restoration work underway on the old workshop.
  • The maintenance program for outdoor landscaping has been implemented.

Objective : Develop services that increase visitor attendance, maintain visitor satisfaction ratings, and foster a sense of belonging and pride on the part of the local community and the broader region.

  • Attendance has increased by 14%, from 6,029 visitors in 2016 to 7,007 visitors in 2019.
  • The creation of the trust committee and the implementation of activities in collaboration with the community have created a sense of community belonging to the historic site. Activities include the annual Pow-Wow (June 21), Canada Day (July 1) and Summer Fest (July 20).

Conclusion — next steps

The Parks Canada Agency is proud of its 2019 achievements at the Obadjiwan—Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site.

Actively collaborating with partners, offering dynamic services and integrating the site into its environment all contribute to sharing the rich history of the Obadjiwan—Fort Temiscamingue National Historic Site and to Parks Canada’s mandate.

Over the next year, Parks Canada and its partners will implement the site’s collaborative management structure. Given the COVID19 pandemic, over the next year Parks Canada will be working to provide public access to commemorative messages and certain facilities, in compliance with current health standards, and to protect the cultural resources of the national historic site.

Following this major crisis, Parks Canada will resume implementing the objectives identified in the 2007 Management Plan.

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