Jasper National Park’s Heritage River: The Athabasca

Canadian Heritage Rivers System Outstanding natural beauty Historical significance River recreation

The Athabasca River Longest river in Alberta Longest undammed river in the prairies

A glacially-fed river that originates from the Columbia Icefield Glacial meltwater full of rock flour Section of the river in JNP nominated to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System Outstanding Natural Beauty: From Start to…

Ends at the Peace-Athabasca Delta One of the major drainage conduits for western Canada Finish

Also spelled “Athabaska” and “Athapaska” Athabasca watershed used for hunting and fishing by many FN groups - a practice that continues today. Cultural Significance: The Place Where There are Reeds

Fur trade Railway/ Road construction Cultural Significance: European Arrival

Rafting, canoeing, kayaking Fishing, camping Wildlife watching Municipal, agricultural & industrial use Recreational Value: Present Day

Correcting fish habitat fragmentation Fishing regulations What Parks Canada is doing to Address Human Impacts on the River

Parks Canada & Municipality of Jasper’s new sewage treatment plant What Parks Canada is doing to Address Human Impacts on the River

Five pulp mills Low-end sewage treatment plants Oil sands Tailings ponds adjacent to the Athabasca River hold water contaminated by oil sands operations. Photo: David Dodge, The Pembina Institute Human Impact: Beyond the Borders of Jasper National Park

Examples of Environmental Stewardship Awareness campaigns aimed at strengthening people's awareness and connection to the river Voicing Albertans' concerns and expectations regarding the Athabasca and Alberta's future. edrops.ca/video/qs05 edrops.ca/video/qs05 Keepers of the Athabasca Watershed Society Connecting the Drops

Finding the Balance AthabascaRiverBasin Spirituality Stewardship OtherResourceDevelopment Sustainability

If you drink from the waters of the Athabasca River, you will return to drink the water again. -- Native Legend If you drink from the waters of the Athabasca River, you will return to drink the water again. -- Native Legend

Historically and currently, do you think there have been conflicts between different groups (Aboriginals, fur traders, industry, farmers/ranchers) who use the Athabasca River? How have/might these be resolved? Why is the Athabasca River so important to us? What can you/we do to protect the river? Discussion Points:

Sources Gadd, B. (1995) Handbook of the Canadian Rockies Canadian Heritage Rivers System