Franklin 2017 

Artifacts

The Government of Canada is committed to working closely with Inuit of Nunavut and government organizations on joint ownership of artifacts from the wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. Negotiations with the Government of the United Kingdom for the transfer of ownership of the artifacts are ongoing. In the interim, Parks Canada and Inuit Heritage Trust have agreed to develop an Interim Memorandum of Understanding to ensure that all decisions regarding the artifacts will be made jointly while negotiations with the Government of the United Kingdom continue.

Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement

Parks Canada and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association are currently negotiating an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, as required under the Nunavut Agreement. This will be the first agreement between the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and Parks Canada. Until the Agreement is in place, the Franklin Interim Advisory Committee will advise Parks Canada on the protection and presentation of the wrecks. The Franklin Interim Advisory Committee is composed of representatives from designated Inuit organizations, northern communities and the governments of Canada and Nunavut.

Protection of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror

The wreck of HMS Erebus is legally protected under federal legislation. The site is listed on the National Historic Sites of Canada Order under the Canada National Parks Act, ensuring that the heritage value and historical resources of the wreck of HMS Erebus are preserved in perpetuity for the benefit of all Canadians. Access to the site of HMS Erebus is not allowed without a permit from Parks Canada. Parks Canada is currently taking steps to include HMS Terror as part of the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site of Canada. Access to the site of HMS Terror is not allowed at this time without an archaeological permit from the Government of Nunavut.  

RV David Thompson

Parks Canada has acquired a vessel from the Canadian Coast Guard to support its expanding requirements in underwater archaeology and marine science. Renamed RV David Thompson, the vessel will be deployed for a variety of research in the waters off our national parks and in national marine conservation areas. This fall, the vessel will serve as the base for archaeology and biology projects in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve in British Columbia.

Adventure Canada and Visitor Experience

Parks Canada and the Franklin Interim Advisory Committee are partnering with Arctic expedition company Adventure Canada to welcome visitors to experience the site of HMS Erebus for the very first time. Parks Canada experts and Inuit guides will be on board to interpret some of Canada’s most remote national parks and historic sites, including the wreck site of HMS Erebus, as part of the Out of the Northwest Passage expedition - a Canadian Signature Experience - which sails from Kugluktuk, Nunavut, to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, September 7 – 23, 2017. Founded in 1987, Adventure Canada is a family-owned and operated adventure travel company specializing in land-based and small ship cruise adventures in Canada’s Arctic and east coast regions, Greenland, and select wilderness destinations. Adventure Canada’s trips feature a wide array of special guests, including musicians, authors, biologists, and historians.

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