Parks Canada’s Volunteers
The Canadian Register of Historic Places celebrates the
extraordinary work of people who are not paid: volunteers. Without
volunteers, some exciting activities at Parks Canada's national
parks or national historic sites (NHS) could not happen. Volunteers
are people who work tirelessly, either behind the scenes or on the
front lines, to ensure that people have the best experience when
visiting a national park or national historic site. On December 5,
let's take the opportunity offered by the International Volunteer
Day to thank them.
In 2010, nearly 6,000 volunteers at 85 different locations have
helped with special events such as Parks Day, provided caretaking
activities such as trail
maintenance, supported archaeological
research, were park ambassadors, or appeared as costumed
interpreters. Parks Canada's volunteers help share ideas,
knowledge, talent and skills to build a legacy for Canada's natural
and historic treasures. By lending a hand, volunteers are connected
to their natural and cultural heritage, enriching their lives and
helping to make a difference at national parks and national
historic sites.
There are a number of ways that someone can help out. An
individual can apply directly at most Parks Canada sites
indicated online. Here are some examples of
historic sites that need volunteers: Fort Langley NHS, where heritage tea servers,
gold commissioners, and storytelling assistants are needed; or Sault St. Marie Canal NHS, where there is a
need for musicians, assistant groundskeepers, and historical
researchers; or Lower Fort Garry NHS, where people are needed
to dress up in 1850s costumes.
A number of National Historic Sites of
Canada are supported by volunteer organizations who work in
partnership with Parks Canada. For example, at Bar U Ranch NHS the Friends of the Bar U
Ranch Association works cooperatively with Parks Canada to
maintain this historic cultural landscape. This organization
has existed since the late 1980s, and is now comprised of members
of the local community and Parks Canada to provide stewardship of
the ranch lands and historic buildings, and help further public
awareness of the cultural history of the ranch. Among other
things, the Friends purchase historic ranching equipment,
fix fences, and do fundraising activities. These activities
come in the form of interpretive trail rides, cowboy storytelling
evenings, and chuckwagon cookoffs. These activities help
support the traditional character of the historic ranch, which
represents Alberta's ranching in the 1880-1950 period, and is a
fine example of a rural Alberta landscape.
Other National Historic Sites of Canada are run solely by
volunteer organizations. This is the case at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS in Steveston,
B.C. Owned by Parks Canada, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Society operates the site as a non-profit organization run by
its members and other volunteers, some of whom grew up in the
Steveston area and who have close ties to the fishing
industry. Interpretive activities include a newsletter called
"Cannery Currents", an online blog and Facebook page, photo
contests, and detailed interpretation programs for school
groups. By providing these outreach activities, these
volunteers help visitors to the area appreciate other historic
places in the community, including the Steveston Telephone Exchange; the Steveston Courthouse; and Ray's Drygoods.
In Jasper National Park, the Friends of Jasper National
Park work as independent stewards who help promote the
understanding, appreciation and respect for both the natural and
cultural history of Jasper. Through fundraising activities
they have contributed towards restoring the Park Information Centre and the Whistler
Theatre, and have helped maintain the Jasper Discovery
Trail. The Friends of Jasper National Park are also
involved in running a gift shop in the information centre,
organizing movie nights, and - on most summer evenings - providing
a free walking tour called Jasper...Walk in the Past,
which takes visitors on a walk past Jasper's historic buildings. 
People living in Toronto may think that Fort York NHS is run by Parks Canada, but it is
actually owned and operated jointly by the City of Toronto and the
non-profit organization known as The Friends of Fort York and
Garrison Common. Through their newsletter The Fife
and Drum, a Facebook fan page, and other outreach activities,
those working here have developed strong ties with communities in
Toronto and with experts at Parks Canada. The Fort's activities
serve as an excellent model of volunteers in action at Parks
Canada's sister National Historic Sites of Canada.
An important relationship between Parks Canada and a community
of volunteers exists at the Fortress of Louisbourg NHS. From conducting
special dinner theatre shows to archaeological digs opened to the
public, the Fortress of Louisbourg Association is
intimately involved in interpreting and celebrating the rich
history of the French presence in North America. Volunteers
from the local community are recruited to be re-enactors at the
Fort. One can march in a French militia or play a period
instrument! Not only does the Fort work w
ith local volunteers to enhance its programs, but
Parks Canada and the Fortress of Louisbourg Association
have also introduced geocaching as an activity at the site in
collaboration with the Atlantic Geocaching Association.
Also, to whet the taste buds of visitors, "historic" chocolate is
now sold at the fort in collaboration with the Colonial
Chocolate Society.
Volunteers play key roles in making storied places come
alive! Parks Canada celebrates their efforts to bring special
experiences to our national parks and national historic sites of
Canada. Next time you see someone dressed up in period
costume, if you are at a gift shop, or on a walking tour, there's
probably a volunteer helping out. Go out of your way and thank
them!