James Bernard (J.B.) Harkin (1874-1955) was the first Commissioner (head) of the Dominion Parks Branch, now Parks Canada He played a key role in establishing the course of Canada’s national parks. When he began as Commissioner (10 Aug 1911), national parks could only be established in forest reserves, and private’s automobiles were barred from entering the national parks. By the end of his career in 1936, he had removed those restrictions. Under his leadership, many new national parks were created, and he spearheaded the establishment of National Historic Sites, still within the parks branch.
He also oversaw the creation of Wood Buffalo National Park. “[Wood Buffalo National] Park’s 1922 creation, 1926 expansion, and management throughout the 20th century eroded Dené rights and sovereignty over a significant portion of their territory and damaged all aspects of the community’s health and well-being, governance, kinship networks, and relations to the land and water.” (
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In 2021, in the light of this history, the Canadian Parks and Wildeness Society (CPAWS) decided to choose a new name for their nearly 50-year-old J. B. Harkin Conservation Award. (
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Plaque text:
JAMES BERNARD HARKIN
1875 - 1955
[EN] Born in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, Harkin was named Commissioner of the recently created Dominion Parks Branch In 1911, and over a period of 25 years organized a nation-wide syetem of parks. A firm believer in the recreational and economic value of parkland, he directed his efforts to ensure access to the system for the greatest possible number of Cansdians.
Harkin was an ardent conservationist who was responsible for important advances in tha fleld of wildlife presevation. On his advice, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was created in 1919, and he was one of its original members.
[FR] Né à Venkleek Hill(Ontario), Harkin fut nommé Commissalre des parcs du Dominion en 1911 et, pendant 25 ans, il organisé le reseau des parcs narionaux. Ill attachait beaicouo d’mportance à la valeur récréative et éconmique des parcs et il charchalt à en augmenter l'accesibilité pour les Canadiens. Partisan de la conservation, il suggéra de nombreuses améliorations dans le domaine de la protection de la faune. En 1919, à sa suggestion, on créa le Commission does lieux et monuments historiques du Canada, dont il fit l’un des premiers membres.
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Parks Canada: Wood Buffalo National Park Cultural History (
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Canadian Encyclopedia: James Bernard Harkin (
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Canada's History: Quiet Crusader (
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