CANADA NATIONAL-PARKS - A MODEL OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENETRATION

National parks can no longer be considered as pristine ecosystems prot ected by impenetrable boundaries. It is now realised that many forces outside national park boundaries create significant changes within tho se boundaries. To date, most attention has focussed upon penetration b y biophysical factors. This paper addresses another aspect, external i nfluence over decision making in the parks. It suggests that three mai n groups - entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and aboriginal peoples - have been dominant in different time periods, and uses case studies to illustrate the rise to current prominence of aboriginal peoples. Reas ons are suggested for this ascendancy.