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MAKING TRACKS: THE CHILKOOT TRAIL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE of Canada. A Canadian Cultural Route Management Approach, Case Study Guy Masson TABLE OF CONTENTS 1)
INTRODUCTION ·
Canadian
context ·
Historical
context · Management planning context 2)
GOALS OF MANAGEMENT PLANNING ·
Ensure
Commemorative Integrity of a place of national significance:
i.
Resources that represent the national significance are not
impaired or under threat,
ii.
Reasons for the site’s national significance are effectively
communicated, iii. Site’s heritage values are respected by all decisions ·
Ensure
protection and presentation of cultural resources
i.
Establish current situation analysis for the historic place
ii.
Establish a vision for the future Land Use Zoning
iii.
Establish objectives and key actions for the historic place
iv.
Establish current analysis of cultural landscape
v.
Establish objective and key actions for the cultural landscape
vi.
Establish current situation analysis for built resources
vii.
Establish objectives and key actions for built resources ·
Ensure
application of Cultural Resources Management policy in all decisions
that affect cultural resources
i.
Principle
of Value
ii.
Principle
of Public Benefit
iii.
Principle
of Understanding
iv.
Principle
of Respect
v.
Principle
of Integrity 3)
CONCLUSION 4)
References 5)
Slides description 1)
INTRODUCTION Canada’s
cultural itineraries, corridors or routes (Slide:02) are testimony of
epic journeys. They are dynamic linear spaces created through the
movement of the people, places of meetings and exchanges, and cross-fertilization
of cultures and values. The
Canadian’s cultural routes are diverse in nature as they relate to
the exploration of territory, cultural practices, trade and commercial
routes, and exploitation of natural resources. They are a result of
intimate human interaction within the geographical environment. Gold !,
exclaimed Skookum Jim Mason to his friends George Carmack and Tagish
Charley along the Rabbit Creek, (Slide:03) later named Bonanza Creek,
on August 22, 1896. When
the word “discovery” reached the outside, the Klondike Gold Rush
began. It captured the imagination of the world.
No image better represents that historic event than the line
(Slide:04) of thousands of stampeders struggling over the Chilkoot
Pass during the winter of 1897-98. Today,
the Chilkoot Trail is a National Historic Site of Canada commemorating
this extraordinary journey. A
rich history of human interaction “Making
Tracks” on a 700 kilometres corridor (Slide:05) from the
Chilkoot Pass to Dawson City, within the Yukon Territory’s dramatic
(Slide:06) natural environment. This
cultural route is rich in national historic sites and heritage rivers
like the Chilkoot Trail (Slide: 07), Yukon River, (Slide:08), the SS
Klondike NHS (Slide:09), the Dredge No4, NHS (Slide:10) and the Dawson
City Historical Complex, (Slide:11)
that attest to the determination and ingenuity of the gold
seekers that transformed the natural landscape (Slide:12)
into a cultural landscape.
The
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada declared the Chilkoot
Trail a place of national significance in 1987.
The management planning of a national historic site is based on
its commemorative intent, a statement of what is nationally
significant about the site. The
Statement of Commemorative Intent for the site states that: “The
Chilkoot Trail was designated a national historic site for the role it
played (Slide: 13) in the mass movement of people
to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush”. The Chilkoot Trail N.H.S. is administered by Parks Canada
Agency whose mandate is to ensure the commemorative integrity as a
priority in the administration and management of these sites.
1)
Developing a management approach for a 700km cultural route is
a complex task. This case
study is limited to the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site, a 46 km
trail of amazing (Slide:14) natural landscape challenges, viewscapes
and natural stops which became instant cities during the Gold Rush
such as: Lindeman City
and Bennett City. Its
management plan is based on Parks Canada National Historic Sites Guide
to Management Planning and Cultural Resource Management policy and
principles. 2)
GOALS OF MANAGEMENT PLANNING A
management plan is a strategic guide to future management of a
national historic site like the Chilkoot Trail N.H.S.
It is the primary public accountability document for a national
historic site. The
management planning actions will define a framework for subsequent
management decisions; sets long-range direction for the management of
cultural and natural resources of the cultural corridor; establish
appropriate activities; and ensure that good cultural resource
management and practices are in place in all decisions.
The goals of a national historic site management plan are:
(Slide:15) 1)
Ensure commemorative integrity of place on national
significance; 2)
Ensure protection and presentation of cultural resources; 3)
Ensure application of Cultural Resources Management policy in
all decisions that affect cultural resources. Goal 1:
Ensure commemorative integrity of place of national
significance (Slide:16) The
commemorative integrity is a holistic approach describing the health
and wholeness of a National Historic Site.
The Chilkoot Trail, as cultural corridor and national historic
site, possesses commemorative integrity when: 1)
Resources that symbolize or represent the national importance
are not impaired or under threat;
2)
Reason(s) for the site’s national significance and its role
in Canadian History are effectively communicated to the public; 3)
Site’s heritage values are respected by all decisions or
actions affect the site. The
first element of commemorative integrity is the resources that
symbolize, or represent the cultural corridor. The following resources
have been instrumental in the designation of the Chilkoot Trail
national significance. 1)
Historic Place:
the route through the Chilkoot Pass (Slide:17) and the natural
stopping places
(Slide:18) 2)
Landscape Features: the
setting of the trail, its viewscapes, and the relic cultural
landscape reflect the trail experience (Slide:19) 3)
Built Resources:
Building and landscape features related to the period. These features
shaped the experience and subsequently defined the memories, stories
and history of the gold rush travelers; (Slide:20) 4)
In-situ and Collectable Objects:
in-situ
resources and collected objects are resources identified for the
Chilkoot Trail that must not be threatened or impaired. (Slide:21) The
second element of commemorative integrity (Slide:22) focuses on the
effective communication of the reasons for the site’s national
historic significance. This forms an important component of the
messages to be delivered. This means that visitors (Slide:23) to the
site must understand not only the significant role of the Chilkoot
Trail cultural corridor as it relates to the mass movement of people
into the Yukon, but also the context of the Klondike Gold Rush as a
social phenomenon that shaped the Yukon region over the last century
and its significance as part of Canadian national history. The
third element of the commemorative integrity (Slide: 24) is the site’s
other heritage values are respected by all decisions and actions
affecting the site. Beyond the values of national historic
significance, the heritage values associated with the Chilkoot Trail
include: 1)
The character of the dynamic ecology of the natural environment
in the corridor as an experience aspect of the traveller’s
experience; (Slide:25) 2)
Continuing use of the trail as a First Nation hunting and berry
picking area remains an important part of the heritage of the corridor; Goal
2: Ensure the protection and presentation of cultural resources (Slide:26) Ensuring
the protection and presentation of the cultural resources symbolizing
or representing the Chilkoot Trail.
Seven (7) strategic elements of management planning process
have been selected from the management plan for the purpose of this
case study. (Slide:27) 1)
Establish current situation analysis for the historic place The
purpose of the current situation analysis is to determine, reduce or
eliminate visitor impacts on the relic landscape at or near historic
stopping places. For instance, hikers have to check in (Slide:28) at
the “Trail Centre” in order to pick up their permits, information
package which includes information regarding the protection of
artifact, hazards on the trail, and advise of any closures due to bear
activity. These
information were given to the 3,076 hikers who circulated through the
trail in 1999. 2)
Establishing a vision for the future Land Use Zoning Based
on current situation analysis, the Chilkoot Trail N.H.S., envisioned
as a relic cultural landscape, will be managed in accordance with the
CIS and Parks Canada’s Cultural Management Policy. The natural
evolution of cultural and natural resources will be managed in a
manner unimpaired by human impact. Land use zoning must reflect the
vision, goals objectives and management actions to offer a unique
opportunity for visitor to appreciate, enjoy, and understand the
national significance of the site.
For instance the land use zoning focuses on: (Slide:29)
Historic Area and Visitor Activity;
(Slide:30) Historic protection, preservation;
Natural Areas, and Services Nodes. Understanding
the current situation of the historic place and establishing a vision
and implementing land zoning, are three basic activities for
identifying objectives and key actions. 3)
Establish objectives and key actions for the historic place The
objectives are directly related to nationally significant cultural
resources values, for
example: 1)
Maintain the geographic character of the trail corridor which
is characterized by the linearity of the route and the visual sense of
containment in it s own valley; (Slide:31) 2)
Maintain the relationship between the commemorated trail and
the natural stopping places and the local topography; One
of the key action is summarized as follows: 1)
Conduct environmental assessment and monitor impact on heritage values
of the place. 4)
Establish current
situation analysis of cultural landscape Cultural
features in the landscape are another physical expression of the
values of the historic place. Through
the modification of the site, people have left an imprint of their
presence (Slide:32) and a reflection of the social organization
developed to cope with the mass movement through the Chilkoot Pass
during the Gold Rush. The
protection of that imprint in natural environment is valued.
The following reflect the values of the Chilkoot Trail as
landscape values: 1)
The historic foot
trails, roadways and vestiges of the associated water routes of the
Chilkoot that run from the summit of the Chilkoot Pass to Bennett City;
(Slide:33) and 2)
The
natural stopping point places along the trail.
These tangible modifications to the place speak about the life
and experience of those travelling through the pass during the gold
rush. 5)
Establish objectives for the cultural landscape The
objectives and key actions are directly related to the nationally
significant heritage values. For example: 1)
Maintain the location, orientation and character of the
commemorated trail, (Slide:34) 2)
Evaluate changes made for the protection of cultural resources
and public safety and maintain character of these features;
and 3)
Monitor the erosion and visitor damages to these features
through full heritage recording. 6)
Establish current situation analysis for built resources The
historic built resources at the site were recorded in accordance with
conservation standard. Based on a monitoring program and field
observations, Parks Canada staff has identified some concerns for the
long-term structural integrity of the
(Slide:35) Presbyterian
Church steeple, and
threats such as wildfire and vandalism at the site. The
church is the only tangible resource directly related to the
designation of this national historic site.
7)
Establish objective and key action for built resources The
church has an important value as the sole surviving structure from the
commemoration period. Used
as an icon of the gold rush experience the heritage character defining
features of the church are its location and orientation, massing,
rustic cladding, and remaining original material.
The methods of its construction, by volunteers during the rush,
and its use as a centre of social activity in the community of Bennett,
are also factors directly linking this structure to the commemorative
intent. The
objectives could be summarized as: 1)
Maintain the location and retain the appearance, defined by
rustic cladding and architecture; 2)
Conserve the original building materials and cladding of the
Church according to conservation standards; (Slide:36) Goal 3:
(Slide:37)
Application of the Cultural Resources Management policy (CRM policy) Parks
Canada’s Cultural Resource Management policy is an integrated and
holistic approach to the management of cultural resources. The term
cultural resource embraces the whole as well as the parts that make up
the whole. The Chilkoot Trail N.H.S. area is a part of what make up the
whole 700 km. cultural corridor.
(Slide:38 ) In
managing cultural resources, Parks Canada adheres to the principles of
value, public benefit, understanding, respect and integrity.
The principles provide a means for determining the
appropriateness of the management plan objectives and key actions
affecting cultural resources. For
example: 1)
Principle
of value:
(Slide:39) relates to the Chilkoot Trail Historic Place, Landscape
Features, Built Resources, and In-situ and Collectable Objects that
symbolize or represent the national significance and have historic
value. It is for these values that cultural resources will be
safeguarded and presented for public benefit. 2)
Principle
of Public Benefit:
(Slide:40) public benefit of the Chilkoot trail cultural resources
will be most appropriately achieved by the protection and presentation
of cultural resources of national significance. The continuing public
benefit will be assured through ongoing maintenance and care. 3)
Principle
of Understanding:
(Slide:41) the care and presentation of cultural resources
require knowledge, and understanding of the resources, the history
they represent, and of the most effective means to communicate to the
public, based on
professional and technical skills and expertise, the history of the
Chilkoot Trail as part of the Klondike Gold Rush. 4)
Principle
of Respect:
those who hold our heritage in trust are responsible for passing on
that cultural corridor heritage in ways that maintain its potential
for future understanding, appreciation and study.
As an irreplaceable part of this heritage, the Chilkoot Trail
cultural resources will be managed with continuous care and with
respect for their historic value and character. 5)
Principle
of Integrity:
relates to the presentation of the past in a manner that
accurately reflects the range and complexity of human history
commemorated. Presentation and conservation activities are based on
extensive knowledge, when they are carefully documented and recorded.
(Slide:42) Applying
the principles to the Chilkoot Trail cultural resources management
will ensure its level of authenticity through the respect of natural
resources evolution. 3)
CONCLUSION The
Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site of Canada
management plan also raises issues related to land jurisdiction,
other heritage places like the White Pass Railway,
(Slide:43) and public enjoyment issues. How to collaborate and foster a working relationship
with the First Nations, Provincial Government, cultural tourism
industry, and the local community as partners without compromising the
commemorative integrity of the site, is a key action of responsible
management. In other words, a
cultural route is a place of stewardship and partnership. Like
several countries in the world, Canada’s cultural corridors raise
complex management issues such as ensuring ecological integrity of
natural resources, ensuring the commemorative integrity of national
historic sites and the delivery of national significant messages, and
management of space and cultural heritage between places of national
significance. Preserving
these natural and cultural resources, including landscape features,
as continuous link to maintain its wholeness of
spirit, its authenticity and the overall character of a
cultural route is a challenge and a universal concern for the
International Committee on Cultural Routes.
(Slide:44 ) Thank
you (Slide:45)
Australia ICOMOS ! for
the opportunity to hare our experience from Canada’s north. REFERENCES: International
Committee on Cultural Routes, Definitions Burra
Charter, 1999 Chilkoot
Trail N.H.S. Management Plan,
, Parks Canada, 1999 Parks
Canada Cultural Resources Management Policy, 1994 SLIDES
DESCRIPTION 01:
Presentation Title 02:
Map of Canada 03:
Bonanza Creek, 04:
Historic Photo: Chilkoot Stampeders 06:
Bennett Lake 07:
Original Chilkoot Trail 08:
Yukon River 09:
SS Klondike National Historic Site 10:
Dredge No 4, National Historic Site 11:
Dawson City Historical Complex Bird’s eye view 12:
Tailing at Eldorado Creek 13:
Historic Photo: Trail of 98 14:
Tagish Lake Bird’s eye view, 15:
Text: Goals of management plan 16:
Text: Goal 1: Commemorative Integrity 17:
Historic Photo: Lindeman 18:
Lindeman Lake, 1994 19:
Original Trail at the Summit, 1994 20:
Bennett Church, 1992 21:
Boiler at Happy Camp 22:
Text: Commemorative Integrity - Effective communication 23:
Lindeman Lake Plaque 24:
Text: Commemorative Integrity – Other heritage values 25:
Carcross Bird’s eye view 26:
Text: Goal 2: Protection and Presentation of cultural resources 27:
Text: 7 items 28:
Lindeman Lake 29:
Historic Photo: Bennett Lake 30:
Bennett Peninsula Bird’s eye view 31:
Bennett Lake horizon 32:
Stampeder’s Cemetery at Bennett City 33:
Bennett Lake Bird’s eye view 34:
Original Trail at the Summit, 1994 35:
Bennett Church, South Elevation 36:
Bennett Church Pinnacles 37:
Text: Application of the Cultural resources Management Policy 38:
Trail: Beaver Creek 39:
Bennett Lake, Archaeological remains, warf’s wooden piles 40:
Bennett Church, South Elevation 41:
Bennett Church, Pinnacle 42:
Bennett Church, North Elevation, Recording, 43:
Bennett Citty, White Pass Train 44:
Goldfields, 45:
Text: Thank you Australia ICOMOS
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