Stephen Kakfwi, former premier of the Northwest Territories is disappointed with the way the boundary lines are drawn. He said in an interview that Prime Minister Harper is protecting the mining interests more than environmental interests.

"Unfortunately I think Prime Minister Harper has let down Canadians in his choice," Kakfwi said. "That is not a national park, that is a joke." He went on to say that local people were put in a corner because it was either the smaller protected area than they desired, or no protection at all.

The boundaries of the new park reserve do not reflect scientific research or the overwhelming support from Canadians to protect the headwaters of the Nahanni watershed and critical wildlife habitat within.

Park Reserves are added to the schedule on Natural Park Act, and approved by the House of Commons and Senate.