WATCH: BC government hands over control of two south Okanagan parks

OSOYOOS – Osoyoos resident Dan Burton is thrilled Haynes Point is scheduled to fully reopen in time for camping season.

“I think the whole town is very pleased about it. We’ve got our park to walk in and take our dogs for a walk,” he says.

An archaeological dig prompted a closure last fall after human bones were found in the park.

READ MORE:  Haynes Point closes, archaeological dig begins

 The remains are believed to be more than 1,200 years old, leaving the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) Chief to believe the discovery means the park was once an ancient burial ground.

Chief Clarence Louie says there were talks about shutting the park down, but the provincial government and band were able to reach a compromise, preventing such drastic actions. Instead, the band will now manage Haynes Point.

In response to questions from Global News, the Ministry of Environment issued a statement saying this move is part of the government’s goal of reconciliation with First Nations.

In addition to Haynes Point, OIB will also be managing the Okanagan Falls Provincial Park, which the Chief explains also has cultural significance.

“The OK Falls Provincial Park is part of the Osoyoos Indian reserve number 2 that was taken away by the federal and provincial governments around 1915,” he says.

Chief Louie says the band will manage the facilities within the provincial park system and there won’t be any significant changes.

The only change that people will notice will be the names. The two parks — along with MacIntyre Bluff, which is just north of Oliver – will be given First Nations names.

He says the changes will create greater cultural awareness and hopes it will add to the park users’ experience.