You are here

Home » Forillon National Park’s Grande-Grave Heritage Site Revitalization Takes Shape

Forillon National Park’s Grande-Grave Heritage Site Revitalization Takes Shape

Share
By NPT Staff - July 19th, 2023
On July 16, people gathered in Forillon National Park in Quebec to mark progress for the Grande-Grave heritage site revitalization project.

On July 16, people gathered in Forillon National Park in Quebec to mark progress for the Grande-Grave heritage site revitalization project/@Ricochet Design, Parks Canada

More than 100 people gathered for a July 16 community event at Forillon National Park in Quebec to mark the implementation of the Grande-Grave heritage accommodation project.

With only a few months to go before the first major work on the site, the gathering highlighted the collaboration between the Association of Persons Expropriated from Forillon and their Descendants, members of expropriated families in the Grande-Grave area and Parks Canada.

This long-awaited revitalization includes the conservation and presentation of several heritage buildings, the commemoration of the history of the expropriated families, and the creation of a distinctive accommodation offer for visitors.

The event provided an opportunity to reunite the expropriated families, discuss the heritage accommodation project and report on its progress.

To create an event that was significant for the families who were expropriated from the Grande-Grave area, particularly those who lived in the houses involved by the project, Parks Canada worked closely with the Gavey family and other descendants. Attendees came from across the country, including British Columbia and Alberta.

People chatted and reminisced about the days when they lived in Grande-Grave. “It was an afternoon filled with music, memories and tributes to these families,” Parks Canada said in a news release.

The federal government has committed nearly $9.8 million ($7.4 million USD) to conserve and present several heritage buildings here, including four houses — Elias Gavey, Daniel Gavey, Joseph Gavey and Charles-Philip Bartlett.

The buildings are among the last witnesses to the life of this village before the 1970 creation of the park. They offer an opportunity to commemorate the expropriated families who lived there. This heritage accommodation project will conserve these heritage buildings, while offering a meaningful experience for visitors who can learn more about this history, including difficult episodes from this past.

In June 1970, Forillon became Quebec's first national park within the Canadian network.

Located on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon protects 244.8 square kilometres (95 square miles) of territory, including a narrow strip of marine area a little over 150 metres wide (490 feet).

This project is supported by a dozen local organizations, including the Association touristique régionale de la Gaspésie and Destination Gaspé, as well the Association of Persons Expropriated from Forillon and their Descendants.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Journalism about National Parks!

National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.