Privacy impact assessment summary for the Mi’kmaw youth archaeology camp

Description

Parks Canada delivers Mi’kmaw cultural programming at select sites, including Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, in collaboration with Mi’kmaq partners. These programs support the preservation and transmission of Mi’kmaw knowledge and traditions through activities such as guided tours of petroglyphs and culturally significant sites, storytelling, and educational experiences related to Indigenous stewardship of ecosystems and species at risk. Programming also includes community-based activities such as gatherings of Knowledge Holders, festivals, youth camps, and traditional feasts that promote cultural continuity and engagement.

As part of this programming, targeted initiatives such as Mi’kmaw youth camps provide opportunities for participants to engage in cultural learning and hands-on activities (for example, archaeology, cultural site interpretation) under the supervision of qualified staff, Elders, and Knowledge Holders. In administering these programs, limited personal information may be collected from participants or their guardians (for example, registration and contact information) to support program delivery, safety, and communication, and is handled in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.

Why a privacy impact assessment was completed

A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) was conducted for Mi’kmaw cultural programming, including youth initiatives such as the Mi’kmaw Youth Archaeology Camp at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, as program activities involve the collection, use, and potential disclosure of personal information. This includes information collected from participants and, where applicable, their guardians for purposes such as registration, program participation, supervision, safety, and communication.

The PIA assesses potential privacy risks associated with these activities, including those related to the participation of minors, and identifies measures to ensure that personal information is managed in accordance with the Privacy Act and Treasury Board Secretariat requirements.

Additional information

TFollowing a review by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC), Parks Canada implemented measures to strengthen privacy protections for youth participants. The Personal Information Notice was revised to reflect the maturity level of applicants and now encourages youth to complete applications with the guidance of a parent or legal guardian. In addition, application forms will include clear instructions advising applicants to provide only the personal information necessary, particularly in open text fields, to support data minimization principles.

The PIA also identified low risks related to information retention and disposal; to address these, Parks Canada is developing disposition schedules in collaboration with Library and Archives Canada and has incorporated required information management improvements into its long-term planning, with full implementation expected by March 31, 2029.

Related personal information banks

Mi’kmaw Youth Archaeology Camp PC PPU 097.

For more information about this privacy impact assessment

In order to have access to the full PIA, please submit a formal request at the following link: Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Online Request (apps.gc.ca).