Chief Waquan gives a brief historic background of the Mikisew Cree people and the location and use of their traditional lands in Wood Buffalo National Park. Throughout this article, the Chief reaffirms that the future of his people relies heavily on the land and its renewable resources, as formally recognized by the federal government in the 1985 land claim settlement. He states that the values of the Cree and those of Park management need not be in conflict, since both are strongly committed to resource conservation and protection. He believes however, that there must be a mutual respect for both the National Parks Act regulations, and the patterns and character of the Cree Band traditional fish and wildlife harvesting activities. Chief Waquan argues that co-management between the Mikisew Cree and Park authorities would be mutually beneficial. He believes that this arrangement is a positive and necessary step toward conservation, development and implementation of park policies and programs.