Nestled west of Brandon (Manitoba, Canada), the scenic Grand Valley Park has opened its doors once again under new management: the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. The grand reopening coincided with National Indigenous Peoples Day, serving as a vivid reminder of the park’s rich history and cultural significance.
Grand Valley Campground, a cherished locale for residents, has witnessed numerous days of camping, exploration, and community bonding.
Among those thrilled by the reopening was Jesse Laird, who runs the Smoked and Sauced food truck. Recollecting his nostalgic high school days, Laird remarked, “I would always come here with my high school friends, even times when we weren’t camping. There is a viewing tower and a bunch of cool trails all around up top. I loved coming here.”
The campground was previously managed by Jordan Ross and Katherine Jeroski. Following the passing of Ross, Jeroski announced at the close of 2022 that the operations had been transitioned to the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
Chief Jennifer Bone of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation remarked on the park’s importance to the community, as well as its strategic value. “We’ve used it for cultural camps for high school students, and many other different events, and it will be a great attraction in the future. It’s such a beautiful place and is in our traditional territory as well,” she stated.
Imbued with profound cultural relevance, the park was declared a provincially designated historic site in 1948 by the Historic Sites Advisory Board of Manitoba. The honor followed the discovery of an ancient First Nations burial mound, a bison kill site, and remains of an Indigenous settlement within its boundaries.
At present, the park includes 22 serviced and 20 unserviced camping sites, along with washroom facilities and showers.
The Sioux Valley Dakota Nation has, however, grand visions for the site’s future. Upgrades including additional picnic tables and heightened advertising are in the pipeline. Chief Bone also hinted at the potential development of more campsites.
Robert Fleury, the newly-appointed campground manager and a former finance employee with Sioux Valley, recognized the site’s importance to the community. According to Fleury, the park represents a substantial stepping stone for community pride and recognition. “The park is such a wonderful addition for our community, and I just wanted to help in any way I could to be a part of it.”
Beyond its role as a campground, Grand Valley Park boasts a tubing area set to reopen in winter. There are also plans to enhance the park’s cultural component, offering diverse experiences for younger visitors.
Despite these ambitious plans, all modifications to the park must receive provincial approval. In the meantime, Fleury appreciates the simple joy of camping and outdoor activities, seeing it as a valuable distraction for young people from their electronic devices.
Grand Valley Park is now open for the season, welcoming campers to its idyllic setting with daily rates of CA$20 for a basic site and CA$28 for a site with power. This reopening marks not only the continuation of a beloved community space but also the beginning of a fresh chapter in the park’s rich history.