Cheam First Nation and BC Parks have been talking about collaborating on the management of Ferry Island Provincial Park.
The Cheam First Nation Chief and Council will be established as the Park Board of the 29-hectare provincial park, directing and overseeing management, after coming to an agreement recently with provincial officials.
A celebration and lunch are being held Saturday.
Ferry Island Park near the Agassiz-Rosedale bridge is an area of significance to Cheam people, as well as a recreational fishing site with access to the river.
"It's a fairly popular park, with a rough-hewn spot to launch a boat," said Cheam Chief Ernie Crey.
The class C park comprises 29 hectares on the south side of the Fraser River, east of Chilliwack, adjacent Cheam First Nation.
"We took a look at the park and figured we could enhance it," said Chief Crey. "We look forward to it."
They opened a Cheam Fishing Village campsite on the north side of the river a few years ago, and made ongoing improvements, so it wasn't a stretch to envision doing something similar on the south side.
There are tentative plans for future enhancements in the park, as well as installing power and water hookups eventually.
"We are pleased to work with the Cheam First Nation to help ensure Ferry Island Provincial Park remains a vibrant and popular place for visitors and the First Nations community," said Mary Polak, Minister of Environment for B.C.
A celebration is being held in the park Saturday, October 29 at noon, at Ferry Island Park at the river access off Rosedale Ferry Road, with luncheon to follow at Cheam Hall. Everyone is welcome.