{"id":214,"date":"2023-01-31T20:49:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-01T01:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/chapter\/__unknown__-14\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T13:59:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T17:59:34","slug":"indigenous_protected_areas","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/chapter\/indigenous_protected_areas\/","title":{"raw":"Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas","rendered":"Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"__UNKNOWN__\">\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">This Learning Module describes lands designated as parks and other protected areas by Indigenous Nations, which is one of two distinct perspectives on protected areas in British Columbia (BC).\u00a0 The other distinct perspective is protected areas designated under BC legislation, which is covered under a complementary Learning Module.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<h2 class=\"textbox__title\"><strong>Learning Module<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/chapter\/protected_areas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Parks and other Protected Areas<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"__UNKNOWN__\">\r\n\r\nIn 2018, a group called the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservation2020canada.ca\/ice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indigenous Circle of Experts<\/a> produced a report called <em>We Rise Together.<\/em>\u00a0 This report has become an essential source of information about Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--examples\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<h2 class=\"textbox__title\"><strong>Resource<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018).\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservation2020canada.ca\/s\/PA234-ICE_Report_2018_Mar_22_web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>We Rise Together: Achieving Pathway to Canada Target\u20051 through the Creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in the Spirit and Practice of Reconciliation<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0 Ottawa, ON: Government of Canada.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div class=\"__UNKNOWN__\">\r\n<h2><strong>About Indigenous Circle of Experts<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The Indigenous Circle of Experts was formed to contribute to Canada\u2019s goal, the Pathway to Canada Target 1, to protect at least 17% of terrestrial areas by 2020.\u00a0 Members of the Indigenous Circle of Experts include a core group of Indigenous experts from across Canada in collaboration with representatives of federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions.\u00a0 The We Rise Together report by Indigenous Circle of Experts presents recommendations to promote greater recognition and support for existing Indigenous rights, responsibilities, and priorities in conservation.\u00a0 The report also provides guidance to Indigenous, provincial, territorial, and federal governments about legal mechanisms to formally recognise and establish Indigenous-led protected areas.\u00a0 As the report states, \u201cAn Indigenous government\u2019s decision to establish an IPCA [Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area] is an assertion of sovereignty, and should be responded to on a Crown-to-Indigenous government basis.\u201d[footnote]Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 43.[\/footnote]<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The term \u201cIndigenous Protected and Conserved Areas\u201d (IPCAs) is used by the Indigenous Circle of Experts to encompass different approaches and outcomes of Indigenous-led conservation efforts.\u00a0 As stated in the report,<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"margin-left: 36pt\">Different terms may be used to describe initiatives by Indigenous governments and communities to assert their stewardship for their territories and areas. Examples are Tribal Parks, Indigenous Cultural Landscapes, IPAs [Indigenous protected areas] and Indigenous conserved areas.\u00a0 For the purposes of this report, ICE [Indigenous Circle of Experts] has adopted the term Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, or IPCAs, to describe these types of initiatives in the Canadian context.[footnote]Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 34. [\/footnote]<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The aim is to develop new Indigenous-led protected and conserved areas.\u00a0 <strong>By definition, IPCAs \u201care lands and waters where Indigenous governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems.\u201d<\/strong>[footnote]Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 35.[\/footnote]\u00a0 By this definition, IPCAs do not include protected areas known as Conservancies, which are lands designated under BC\u2019s <em>Parks Act<\/em> (refer to <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/chapter\/protected_areas#sdfootnote1anc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learning Module.\u00a0 Parks and Protected Areas<\/a>).<\/p>\r\nThe information presented in this module is a summary of key points from the <em>We Rise Together <\/em>report by the Indigenous Circle of Experts.\u00a0 We strongly recommend that readers consult the original report for more details.\u00a0 In addition, we identify BC-based IPCAs.\r\n\r\nAll page references herein are to the ICE report, unless indicated otherwise.\r\n\r\nThe following are additional resources that support knowledge-sharing and development of IPCAs:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"IISAAK%20OLAM%20Foundation\">IISAAK OLAM Foundation<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ipcaknowledgebasket.ca\/\">IPCA Knowledge Basket<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The Conservation Through Reconciliation Partnership\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The Partnership is no longer active; the <a href=\"https:\/\/conservation-reconciliation.ca\/\">website<\/a> remains as a resource.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Characteristics of IPCAs<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Based on their review of existing IPCAs, both in Canada and elsewhere, the Indigenous Circle of Experts identified three essential elements that characterise IPCA governance and management,[footnote]Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 36.[\/footnote] as follows.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>IPCAs are Indigenous-led<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">Indigenous governments have the primary role in determining the objectives, boundaries, management plans and governance structures for IPCAs as part of their exercise of self-determination.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">There may be a range of partnerships to support these acts of self-determination, including with Crown governments, environmental NGOs, philanthropic bodies, or others.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">IPCAs are, in essence, Indigenous-led conservation initiatives that reflect the objectives and needs of their respective nations or governments and emerge through transparent negotiations.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>IPCAs represent a long-term commitment to conservation<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">Indigenous Peoples take a multi-generational view of stewarding their territories.\u00a0 Therefore, an IPCA represents a long-term commitment to conserve lands and waters for future generations.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>IPCAs elevate Indigenous rights and responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">Indigenous Peoples have long-standing physical and spiritual relationships with the lands and waters within their respective territories, and with the natural cycles that determine their use. These relationships have always included the right to benefit from the bounty of the natural world and the reciprocal responsibility to care for and respect the land and water, consistent with natural and Indigenous law, for future generations.\u00a0 In IPCAs, Indigenous Peoples\u2019 continued relationship with the land and water must be assured by acknowledging the authority that Indigenous governments have to work with their people on how to use the land and water while achieving conservation and cultural objectives.<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">In addition to the above essential elements, the Indigenous Circle of Experts also identified a set of characteristics of what IPCAs might look like in Canada.\u00a0 The following list of characteristics of IPCAs[footnote]Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), pp. 38-41. [\/footnote] is not intended to be prescriptive or exhaustive, as the priorities and objectives of IPCAs may vary greatly depending on the needs and objectives of the area.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Should promote respect for Indigenous knowledge systems;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Should respect protocols and ceremony;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Should support the revitalisation of Indigenous languages;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Can seed conservation economies;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Should conserve cultural keystone species and protect food security; and,<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Should adopt integrated, holistic approaches to governance and planning.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2 class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Governance and Partnerships<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">As emphasised by the Indigenous Circle of Experts, IPCAs exist in stark contrast to the historical harms caused by the creation of protected areas under provincial and federal governments\u2014without the consent of Indigenous Nations.\u00a0 \u201cFor Indigenous Peoples, the history of protected areas in Canada, while somewhat improved in recent times, has been fraught with rights violations, forcible displacement, loss of access to traditional territories and resources, and other substantial inter-generational cultural, social, economic and spiritual impacts.\u201d[footnote]Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 27.[\/footnote]<\/p>\r\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The Indigenous Circle of Experts describe a spectrum of partnership models that support Indigenous governance, management, and operational responsibilities of IPCAs.\u00a0 Potential IPCA partnerships models include the following:[footnote]Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 45.[\/footnote]<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Indigenous Government\u2013Crown Government partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">This model emphasizes Indigenous and Crown governments (including federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal) working in partnership, co-operation and agreement to recognise, establish and\/or manage a protected area.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Indigenous G<\/strong><strong>overnment<\/strong><strong>\u2013non-governmental partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">This model is based on partnerships between Indigenous governments and non-government partners.\u00a0 Such partners could include industry, land trusts, or conservation organisations.\u00a0 Often, this model is conducive to the acquisition of private properties for conservation purposes.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Hybrid partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">In this model, multiple parties (government and non-government) work collaboratively to resource and manage protected or conserved areas.\u00a0 The model requires all parties to play a clear role in building a successful collaborative approach.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Sole Indigenous governance<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">In this model, Indigenous governments make unilateral decisions and manage lands (e.g., Treaty lands, reserves, Aboriginal title, etc.) for protection or conservation purposes.<\/p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><strong>Examples of IPCAs<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThroughout the <em>We Rise Together<\/em> report, the Indigenous Circle of Experts highlight examples of IPCAs from across Canada.\u00a0 The following is a list of BC IPCAs.\u00a0 Refer to the report for descriptions of each one.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Haida Gwaii Protected Areas<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Dasiqox Tribal Park (Nexwagwe\u1e90\u0241an<strong>)<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks<\/li>\r\n \t<li>K\u2019ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Wilp Wii Litsxw Mezidian Indigenous Protected Area<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSee below for a list of IPCAs in BC.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Are IPCAs legally recognised?<\/strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIPCAs, by definition, are created under Indigenous laws.\u00a0 Critically, an IPCA that is not recognized by Crown law does not have legal protection, leaving Indigenous governing bodies to enforce conditions of the IPCA by their own laws and capabilities.\r\n\r\nThe following statement by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcel.org\/blog\/indigenous-protected-areas-gaining-momentum-are-they-recognized-law\">Georgia Lloyd-Smith, Staff Counsel, West Coast Environmental Law<\/a>, summarises the legal status of IPCAs.\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">The question of whether IPCAs are recognized under Canadian law is a whole other beast. \u00a0At this point, they live in a legal grey zone. \u00a0Unlike other countries, like Australia, the Canadian government has not formally recognized IPCAs. \u00a0Tribal Parks have been referred to as \u201cconstitutional parks\u201d because they are founded on constitutionally-protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. However, there has yet to be a court case to clarify the relationship between IPCAs and constitutionally-protected Aboriginal and treaty rights or Aboriginal title. And no federal, provincial or territorial statute explicitly recognizes the right of Indigenous nations to declare or govern their own conserved areas\u2026.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Most protected area laws allow (but do not require) the Crown government to enter into agreements with Indigenous nations to share governance of a protected area. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and National Marine Conservation Area Reserve is a notable example of a Haida Heritage Site becoming a federally-recognized protected area that is now co-governed by the Haida Nation and Canada.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Then there is international law \u2013 under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), Indigenous peoples have the right to determine how their territories and resources are used. This right includes the decision to create a conservation area.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">So, are IPCAs recognized under law? They are recognized under Indigenous legal traditions \u2013 but the problem is that Indigenous authority to control what happens on their lands or in their waters is not recognized by other orders of government in Canada, so a nation may have difficulty enforcing their Tribal Park. I guess the short answer is: \u201cIt depends.\u201d<\/p>\r\nA guide, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/ipcaknowledgebasket.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/A-Review-of-Crown-Legislation-Guide-FINAL-June-10-2023.pdf\">A Review of Crown Legislation for Protected and Conserved Areas: A Guide for Indigenous Leadership<\/a><\/em>, produced by the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership provides a comprehensive account of provincial and federal legislation related to protected and conserved areas across Canada.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><strong>List of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in British Columbia<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThis list of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) was compiled based on an internet search.\u00a0 Please note that the list may not be complete.\u00a0 Any omissions are unintended.\r\n\r\nNotes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>In general terms, an IPCA refers to lands and waters where Indigenous governing bodies have primary roles in stewardship, conservation, and governance under their own customary laws.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>IPCAs are know by different names, e.g., Indigenous Protected Area or Tribal Park.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>In the absence of a precise or legal definition of an IPCA, IPCAs can include the following:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>o A formally recognised area declared as an IPCA under customary law of an Indigenous governing body.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>o Other conservation initiatives led by Indigenous governing bodies that are consistent with the purpose of IPCAs but may not be formally declared as an IPCA.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>o Areas that are co-managed by Indigenous governing bodies and provincial or federal governments.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The following list does not include provincial parks and conservancies designated under Crown law.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><\/h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>Formally declared, recognized, or proposed IPCAs<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n(in alphabetical order)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/syilx.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022-04-28-Press-Release_Ashnola-IPCA.pdf\">Ashnola sm\u0259lqm\u00edx IPCA<\/a> (n\u0294aysn\u00fala\u0294x\u02b7 snxa\u0294cnitk\u02b7)\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>sm\u0259lqm\u00edx (Lower Similkameen Indian Band).<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lsib.net\/declaration-of-the-ashnola-indigenous-protected-and-conserved-area-ipca\/\">Declared<\/a> in 2022.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: Ashnola Watershed in Similkameen Valley, Southern Interior.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dasiqox.org\/\">Dasiqox Tribal Park<\/a> (Nexwagwe\u1e91\u0294an)\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Xeni Gwet\u2019in First Nations Government and Yunes\u0302it\u2019in Government; supported by the Ts\u0302ilhqot\u2019in National Government.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared: 2014.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: Central Interior (125 km southwest of Williams Lake).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kaskadenacouncil.com\/dene-k-eh-kusan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dene K\u2019\u00e9h Kus\u0101n Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Kaska Dena Council<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Proposed<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: Muska-Kechika Management Area, Northeast BC.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/klemtu.com\/stewardship\/protected-areas\/gitdisdzu-lugyeks-kitasu-bay-marine-protected-area\/\">Gitdisdzu Lugyeks Marine Protected Area<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Kitasoo Xai\u2019xais First Nation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/klemtu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Gitdisdzu_Lugyeks_MPA_Management_Plan_web.pdf\">Declared<\/a> in 2022.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location:\u00a0 Kitasu Bay; near Klemtu on North Coast.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A 3,350-hectare marine protected area.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/parks.canada.ca\/pn-np\/bc\/gwaiihaanas\">Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Haida Nation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared:\u00a0 1985.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Recognised by Government of Canada and BC in 1988.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Co-managed by the Haida Nation and Parks Canada.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location:\u00a0 Haida Gwaii.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mamalilikulla.ca\/indigenous-protected-and-conserved-areas-ipca\/\">Gwaxdlala\/Nalaxdlala (Lull Bay \/ Hoeya Sound) IPCA<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Mamalilikulla First Nation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared in 2021.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: Knight Inlet on Central Coast.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Includes land and marine zones (Lull Bay and Hoeya Sound).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gwininitxw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gwininitxw Protected Area<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gwininitxw.com\/\">Wilp Gwininitxw<\/a>, Gitxsan Nation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared in 2022.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: Skeena River watershed, Northwest BC<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/khfn.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/KHFN-Hada-and-Kakweikan-IPCA-Backgrounder.pdf\">Hada &amp; Kakweikan IPCA<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>\u1e34wi\u1e35wa\u0331sut\u2019inux\u0331w Ha\u0331xwa\u2019mis First Nation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared in 2023.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: Bond Sound and Thompson Sound, Broughton Archipelago region.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>41,500-hectare area (mountaintop to seafloor).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.haidanation.ca\/protected-areas\">Haida Gwaii Protected Areas<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Haida Nation<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Initially declared as protected areas by the Haida Nation; recognised in 2009 under BC laws.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Coastal and marine protected spaces arising from Haida Gwaii marine planning and stewardship.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location:\u00a0 Haida Gwaii.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A network of 18 sites (approx. 500,000 hectares) co-managed by the Haida Nation and the Province of BC.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/chuchoenvironmental.com\/media\/v\/ingenika-protected-area\">Ingenika Protected Area<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Tsay Keh Dene Nation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared:\u00a0 2021.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>To protect and preserve the Ingenika watershed<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: north end of Williston Reservoir, Northern BC<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doigriverfn.com\/our-lands\/kiht-saadze-tribal-park\/\">K\u2019ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Ktunaxa (and allies)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared:\u00a0 2011<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location:\u00a0 Peace Region in the Northeast.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/liardfirstnation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Liard-First-Nation-March-Newsletter.pdf\">Kaska-led IPCAs<\/a> [under development]\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Location: Northern BC<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Liard First Nations IPCAs\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>T\u016b Ch\u014d - Agedze Tue - Nahanni<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tu Ball<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Little Rancheria<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Dene K\u02bc\u00e9h Kus\u0101n IPCA<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ross River IPCA<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doigriverfn.com\/our-lands\/kiht-saadze-tribal-park\/\">K\u2019ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Ktunaxa (and allies)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location:\u00a0 Peace Region in the Northeast.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ktunaxahakqyit.org\/qatmuk-ipca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Qat\u2019muk IPCA<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Upper Jumbo Valley<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared:\u00a0 2020.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location:\u00a0 <span class=\"fontstyle0\">Central Purcell Mountains, southern interior BC.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/simpcw.com\/natural-resources\/\">R.au.Sh Valley IPCA<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Simpcw First Nation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared: 2023.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: Raush River watershed near Valemount.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salmonparks.ca\/\">Salmon Parks IPCA<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Mowachaht\/Muchalaht First Nation and Nuchatlaht First Nation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared:\u00a0 c2016.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location:\u00a0 Nootka Sound region.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.scianewtribalpark.ca\/\">SC\u2019IA\u2044NEW Tribal Park<\/a> \/ Mary Hill IPCA (proposed)\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>SC\u2019IA\u2044NEW (Beecher Bay) First Nation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared:\u00a0 proposed.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location:\u00a0 region of Metchosin, southern Vancouver Island<\/li>\r\n \t<li>To conserve Mary Hill lands near Metchosin\/Victoria.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakabarband.ca\/copy-of-lands-culture\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">T'eqt'aqtn IPCA<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Kanaka Bar First Nation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared: Proposed in 2022.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: Fraser River Canyon, 14 km south of Lytton.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Encompasses the Kwoiek and Four Barrel watersheds and adjacent parts of the Fraser Canyon.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tribalparks.com\/\">Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Tla-o-qui-aht Nation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Wah\u2019nah\u2019juss Hilth\u2019hoo\u2019iss (Meares Island)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ha\u2019uukmin (Kennedy Lake Watershed)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tranquil Tribal Park<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Esowista Tribal Park<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Declared:\u00a0 1984.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: central west coast of Vancouver Island.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gitanyowchiefs.ca\/wilp-sustainability\/meziadin-indigenous-protected-area\/\">Wilp Wii Litsxw Meziadin IPCA<\/a>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Declared in 2012.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Location: 54,000-hectare area in Nass\/Kitwanga watershed in northwest region.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>To protect salmon habitat and watershed values.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n&nbsp;","rendered":"<div class=\"__UNKNOWN__\">\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">This Learning Module describes lands designated as parks and other protected areas by Indigenous Nations, which is one of two distinct perspectives on protected areas in British Columbia (BC).\u00a0 The other distinct perspective is protected areas designated under BC legislation, which is covered under a complementary Learning Module.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<h2 class=\"textbox__title\"><strong>Learning Module<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/chapter\/protected_areas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Parks and other Protected Areas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"__UNKNOWN__\">\n<p>In 2018, a group called the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservation2020canada.ca\/ice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indigenous Circle of Experts<\/a> produced a report called <em>We Rise Together.<\/em>\u00a0 This report has become an essential source of information about Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--examples\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<h2 class=\"textbox__title\"><strong>Resource<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018).\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservation2020canada.ca\/s\/PA234-ICE_Report_2018_Mar_22_web.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>We Rise Together: Achieving Pathway to Canada Target\u20051 through the Creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in the Spirit and Practice of Reconciliation<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0 Ottawa, ON: Government of Canada.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"__UNKNOWN__\">\n<h2><strong>About Indigenous Circle of Experts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The Indigenous Circle of Experts was formed to contribute to Canada\u2019s goal, the Pathway to Canada Target 1, to protect at least 17% of terrestrial areas by 2020.\u00a0 Members of the Indigenous Circle of Experts include a core group of Indigenous experts from across Canada in collaboration with representatives of federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions.\u00a0 The We Rise Together report by Indigenous Circle of Experts presents recommendations to promote greater recognition and support for existing Indigenous rights, responsibilities, and priorities in conservation.\u00a0 The report also provides guidance to Indigenous, provincial, territorial, and federal governments about legal mechanisms to formally recognise and establish Indigenous-led protected areas.\u00a0 As the report states, \u201cAn Indigenous government\u2019s decision to establish an IPCA [Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area] is an assertion of sovereignty, and should be responded to on a Crown-to-Indigenous government basis.\u201d<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 43.\" id=\"return-footnote-214-1\" href=\"#footnote-214-1\" aria-label=\"Footnote 1\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The term \u201cIndigenous Protected and Conserved Areas\u201d (IPCAs) is used by the Indigenous Circle of Experts to encompass different approaches and outcomes of Indigenous-led conservation efforts.\u00a0 As stated in the report,<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\" style=\"margin-left: 36pt\">Different terms may be used to describe initiatives by Indigenous governments and communities to assert their stewardship for their territories and areas. Examples are Tribal Parks, Indigenous Cultural Landscapes, IPAs [Indigenous protected areas] and Indigenous conserved areas.\u00a0 For the purposes of this report, ICE [Indigenous Circle of Experts] has adopted the term Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, or IPCAs, to describe these types of initiatives in the Canadian context.<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 34.\" id=\"return-footnote-214-2\" href=\"#footnote-214-2\" aria-label=\"Footnote 2\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The aim is to develop new Indigenous-led protected and conserved areas.\u00a0 <strong>By definition, IPCAs \u201care lands and waters where Indigenous governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems.\u201d<\/strong><a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 35.\" id=\"return-footnote-214-3\" href=\"#footnote-214-3\" aria-label=\"Footnote 3\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[3]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 By this definition, IPCAs do not include protected areas known as Conservancies, which are lands designated under BC\u2019s <em>Parks Act<\/em> (refer to <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/chapter\/protected_areas#sdfootnote1anc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learning Module.\u00a0 Parks and Protected Areas<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>The information presented in this module is a summary of key points from the <em>We Rise Together <\/em>report by the Indigenous Circle of Experts.\u00a0 We strongly recommend that readers consult the original report for more details.\u00a0 In addition, we identify BC-based IPCAs.<\/p>\n<p>All page references herein are to the ICE report, unless indicated otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>The following are additional resources that support knowledge-sharing and development of IPCAs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"IISAAK%20OLAM%20Foundation\">IISAAK OLAM Foundation<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ipcaknowledgebasket.ca\/\">IPCA Knowledge Basket<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>The Conservation Through Reconciliation Partnership\n<ul>\n<li>The Partnership is no longer active; the <a href=\"https:\/\/conservation-reconciliation.ca\/\">website<\/a> remains as a resource.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Characteristics of IPCAs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">Based on their review of existing IPCAs, both in Canada and elsewhere, the Indigenous Circle of Experts identified three essential elements that characterise IPCA governance and management,<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 36.\" id=\"return-footnote-214-4\" href=\"#footnote-214-4\" aria-label=\"Footnote 4\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[4]<\/sup><\/a> as follows.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>IPCAs are Indigenous-led<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">Indigenous governments have the primary role in determining the objectives, boundaries, management plans and governance structures for IPCAs as part of their exercise of self-determination.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">There may be a range of partnerships to support these acts of self-determination, including with Crown governments, environmental NGOs, philanthropic bodies, or others.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">IPCAs are, in essence, Indigenous-led conservation initiatives that reflect the objectives and needs of their respective nations or governments and emerge through transparent negotiations.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>IPCAs represent a long-term commitment to conservation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">Indigenous Peoples take a multi-generational view of stewarding their territories.\u00a0 Therefore, an IPCA represents a long-term commitment to conserve lands and waters for future generations.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>IPCAs elevate Indigenous rights and responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">Indigenous Peoples have long-standing physical and spiritual relationships with the lands and waters within their respective territories, and with the natural cycles that determine their use. These relationships have always included the right to benefit from the bounty of the natural world and the reciprocal responsibility to care for and respect the land and water, consistent with natural and Indigenous law, for future generations.\u00a0 In IPCAs, Indigenous Peoples\u2019 continued relationship with the land and water must be assured by acknowledging the authority that Indigenous governments have to work with their people on how to use the land and water while achieving conservation and cultural objectives.<\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">In addition to the above essential elements, the Indigenous Circle of Experts also identified a set of characteristics of what IPCAs might look like in Canada.\u00a0 The following list of characteristics of IPCAs<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), pp. 38-41.\" id=\"return-footnote-214-5\" href=\"#footnote-214-5\" aria-label=\"Footnote 5\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[5]<\/sup><\/a> is not intended to be prescriptive or exhaustive, as the priorities and objectives of IPCAs may vary greatly depending on the needs and objectives of the area.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Should promote respect for Indigenous knowledge systems;<\/li>\n<li>Should respect protocols and ceremony;<\/li>\n<li>Should support the revitalisation of Indigenous languages;<\/li>\n<li>Can seed conservation economies;<\/li>\n<li>Should conserve cultural keystone species and protect food security; and,<\/li>\n<li>Should adopt integrated, holistic approaches to governance and planning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"import-Normal\"><strong>Governance and Partnerships<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">As emphasised by the Indigenous Circle of Experts, IPCAs exist in stark contrast to the historical harms caused by the creation of protected areas under provincial and federal governments\u2014without the consent of Indigenous Nations.\u00a0 \u201cFor Indigenous Peoples, the history of protected areas in Canada, while somewhat improved in recent times, has been fraught with rights violations, forcible displacement, loss of access to traditional territories and resources, and other substantial inter-generational cultural, social, economic and spiritual impacts.\u201d<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 27.\" id=\"return-footnote-214-6\" href=\"#footnote-214-6\" aria-label=\"Footnote 6\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[6]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"import-Normal\">The Indigenous Circle of Experts describe a spectrum of partnership models that support Indigenous governance, management, and operational responsibilities of IPCAs.\u00a0 Potential IPCA partnerships models include the following:<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 45.\" id=\"return-footnote-214-7\" href=\"#footnote-214-7\" aria-label=\"Footnote 7\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[7]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Indigenous Government\u2013Crown Government partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">This model emphasizes Indigenous and Crown governments (including federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal) working in partnership, co-operation and agreement to recognise, establish and\/or manage a protected area.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Indigenous G<\/strong><strong>overnment<\/strong><strong>\u2013non-governmental partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">This model is based on partnerships between Indigenous governments and non-government partners.\u00a0 Such partners could include industry, land trusts, or conservation organisations.\u00a0 Often, this model is conducive to the acquisition of private properties for conservation purposes.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Hybrid partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">In this model, multiple parties (government and non-government) work collaboratively to resource and manage protected or conserved areas.\u00a0 The model requires all parties to play a clear role in building a successful collaborative approach.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><strong>Sole Indigenous governance<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px\">In this model, Indigenous governments make unilateral decisions and manage lands (e.g., Treaty lands, reserves, Aboriginal title, etc.) for protection or conservation purposes.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Examples of IPCAs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Throughout the <em>We Rise Together<\/em> report, the Indigenous Circle of Experts highlight examples of IPCAs from across Canada.\u00a0 The following is a list of BC IPCAs.\u00a0 Refer to the report for descriptions of each one.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Haida Gwaii Protected Areas<\/li>\n<li>Dasiqox Tribal Park (Nexwagwe\u1e90\u0241an<strong>)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks<\/li>\n<li>K\u2019ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park<\/li>\n<li>Wilp Wii Litsxw Mezidian Indigenous Protected Area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>See below for a list of IPCAs in BC.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Are IPCAs legally recognised?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>IPCAs, by definition, are created under Indigenous laws.\u00a0 Critically, an IPCA that is not recognized by Crown law does not have legal protection, leaving Indigenous governing bodies to enforce conditions of the IPCA by their own laws and capabilities.<\/p>\n<p>The following statement by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcel.org\/blog\/indigenous-protected-areas-gaining-momentum-are-they-recognized-law\">Georgia Lloyd-Smith, Staff Counsel, West Coast Environmental Law<\/a>, summarises the legal status of IPCAs.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">The question of whether IPCAs are recognized under Canadian law is a whole other beast. \u00a0At this point, they live in a legal grey zone. \u00a0Unlike other countries, like Australia, the Canadian government has not formally recognized IPCAs. \u00a0Tribal Parks have been referred to as \u201cconstitutional parks\u201d because they are founded on constitutionally-protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. However, there has yet to be a court case to clarify the relationship between IPCAs and constitutionally-protected Aboriginal and treaty rights or Aboriginal title. And no federal, provincial or territorial statute explicitly recognizes the right of Indigenous nations to declare or govern their own conserved areas\u2026.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Most protected area laws allow (but do not require) the Crown government to enter into agreements with Indigenous nations to share governance of a protected area. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and National Marine Conservation Area Reserve is a notable example of a Haida Heritage Site becoming a federally-recognized protected area that is now co-governed by the Haida Nation and Canada.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">Then there is international law \u2013 under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), Indigenous peoples have the right to determine how their territories and resources are used. This right includes the decision to create a conservation area.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\">So, are IPCAs recognized under law? They are recognized under Indigenous legal traditions \u2013 but the problem is that Indigenous authority to control what happens on their lands or in their waters is not recognized by other orders of government in Canada, so a nation may have difficulty enforcing their Tribal Park. I guess the short answer is: \u201cIt depends.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A guide, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/ipcaknowledgebasket.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/A-Review-of-Crown-Legislation-Guide-FINAL-June-10-2023.pdf\">A Review of Crown Legislation for Protected and Conserved Areas: A Guide for Indigenous Leadership<\/a><\/em>, produced by the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership provides a comprehensive account of provincial and federal legislation related to protected and conserved areas across Canada.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>List of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in British Columbia<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>This list of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) was compiled based on an internet search.\u00a0 Please note that the list may not be complete.\u00a0 Any omissions are unintended.<\/p>\n<p>Notes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In general terms, an IPCA refers to lands and waters where Indigenous governing bodies have primary roles in stewardship, conservation, and governance under their own customary laws.<\/li>\n<li>IPCAs are know by different names, e.g., Indigenous Protected Area or Tribal Park.<\/li>\n<li>In the absence of a precise or legal definition of an IPCA, IPCAs can include the following:\n<ul>\n<li>o A formally recognised area declared as an IPCA under customary law of an Indigenous governing body.<\/li>\n<li>o Other conservation initiatives led by Indigenous governing bodies that are consistent with the purpose of IPCAs but may not be formally declared as an IPCA.<\/li>\n<li>o Areas that are co-managed by Indigenous governing bodies and provincial or federal governments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The following list does not include provincial parks and conservancies designated under Crown law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>Formally declared, recognized, or proposed IPCAs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>(in alphabetical order)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/syilx.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/2022-04-28-Press-Release_Ashnola-IPCA.pdf\">Ashnola sm\u0259lqm\u00edx IPCA<\/a> (n\u0294aysn\u00fala\u0294x\u02b7 snxa\u0294cnitk\u02b7)\n<ul>\n<li>sm\u0259lqm\u00edx (Lower Similkameen Indian Band).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lsib.net\/declaration-of-the-ashnola-indigenous-protected-and-conserved-area-ipca\/\">Declared<\/a> in 2022.<\/li>\n<li>Location: Ashnola Watershed in Similkameen Valley, Southern Interior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dasiqox.org\/\">Dasiqox Tribal Park<\/a> (Nexwagwe\u1e91\u0294an)\n<ul>\n<li>Xeni Gwet\u2019in First Nations Government and Yunes\u0302it\u2019in Government; supported by the Ts\u0302ilhqot\u2019in National Government.<\/li>\n<li>Declared: 2014.<\/li>\n<li>Location: Central Interior (125 km southwest of Williams Lake).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/kaskadenacouncil.com\/dene-k-eh-kusan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dene K\u2019\u00e9h Kus\u0101n Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Kaska Dena Council<\/li>\n<li>Proposed<\/li>\n<li>Location: Muska-Kechika Management Area, Northeast BC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/klemtu.com\/stewardship\/protected-areas\/gitdisdzu-lugyeks-kitasu-bay-marine-protected-area\/\">Gitdisdzu Lugyeks Marine Protected Area<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Kitasoo Xai\u2019xais First Nation.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/klemtu.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Gitdisdzu_Lugyeks_MPA_Management_Plan_web.pdf\">Declared<\/a> in 2022.<\/li>\n<li>Location:\u00a0 Kitasu Bay; near Klemtu on North Coast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>A 3,350-hectare marine protected area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/parks.canada.ca\/pn-np\/bc\/gwaiihaanas\">Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Haida Nation.<\/li>\n<li>Declared:\u00a0 1985.\n<ul>\n<li>Recognised by Government of Canada and BC in 1988.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Co-managed by the Haida Nation and Parks Canada.<\/li>\n<li>Location:\u00a0 Haida Gwaii.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mamalilikulla.ca\/indigenous-protected-and-conserved-areas-ipca\/\">Gwaxdlala\/Nalaxdlala (Lull Bay \/ Hoeya Sound) IPCA<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Mamalilikulla First Nation.<\/li>\n<li>Declared in 2021.<\/li>\n<li>Location: Knight Inlet on Central Coast.<\/li>\n<li>Includes land and marine zones (Lull Bay and Hoeya Sound).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gwininitxw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gwininitxw Protected Area<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gwininitxw.com\/\">Wilp Gwininitxw<\/a>, Gitxsan Nation<\/li>\n<li>Declared in 2022.<\/li>\n<li>Location: Skeena River watershed, Northwest BC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/khfn.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/KHFN-Hada-and-Kakweikan-IPCA-Backgrounder.pdf\">Hada &amp; Kakweikan IPCA<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>\u1e34wi\u1e35wa\u0331sut\u2019inux\u0331w Ha\u0331xwa\u2019mis First Nation.<\/li>\n<li>Declared in 2023.<\/li>\n<li>Location: Bond Sound and Thompson Sound, Broughton Archipelago region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>41,500-hectare area (mountaintop to seafloor).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.haidanation.ca\/protected-areas\">Haida Gwaii Protected Areas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Haida Nation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Initially declared as protected areas by the Haida Nation; recognised in 2009 under BC laws.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Coastal and marine protected spaces arising from Haida Gwaii marine planning and stewardship.<\/li>\n<li>Location:\u00a0 Haida Gwaii.<\/li>\n<li>A network of 18 sites (approx. 500,000 hectares) co-managed by the Haida Nation and the Province of BC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/chuchoenvironmental.com\/media\/v\/ingenika-protected-area\">Ingenika Protected Area<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Tsay Keh Dene Nation<\/li>\n<li>Declared:\u00a0 2021.<\/li>\n<li>To protect and preserve the Ingenika watershed<\/li>\n<li>Location: north end of Williston Reservoir, Northern BC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doigriverfn.com\/our-lands\/kiht-saadze-tribal-park\/\">K\u2019ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ktunaxa (and allies)<\/li>\n<li>Declared:\u00a0 2011<\/li>\n<li>Location:\u00a0 Peace Region in the Northeast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/liardfirstnation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Liard-First-Nation-March-Newsletter.pdf\">Kaska-led IPCAs<\/a> [under development]\n<ul>\n<li>Location: Northern BC<\/li>\n<li>Liard First Nations IPCAs\n<ul>\n<li>T\u016b Ch\u014d &#8211; Agedze Tue &#8211; Nahanni<\/li>\n<li>Tu Ball<\/li>\n<li>Little Rancheria<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Dene K\u02bc\u00e9h Kus\u0101n IPCA<\/li>\n<li>Ross River IPCA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doigriverfn.com\/our-lands\/kiht-saadze-tribal-park\/\">K\u2019ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ktunaxa (and allies)<\/li>\n<li>Location:\u00a0 Peace Region in the Northeast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ktunaxahakqyit.org\/qatmuk-ipca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Qat\u2019muk IPCA<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Upper Jumbo Valley<\/li>\n<li>Declared:\u00a0 2020.<\/li>\n<li>Location:\u00a0 <span class=\"fontstyle0\">Central Purcell Mountains, southern interior BC.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/simpcw.com\/natural-resources\/\">R.au.Sh Valley IPCA<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Simpcw First Nation.<\/li>\n<li>Declared: 2023.<\/li>\n<li>Location: Raush River watershed near Valemount.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salmonparks.ca\/\">Salmon Parks IPCA<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Mowachaht\/Muchalaht First Nation and Nuchatlaht First Nation<\/li>\n<li>Declared:\u00a0 c2016.<\/li>\n<li>Location:\u00a0 Nootka Sound region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.scianewtribalpark.ca\/\">SC\u2019IA\u2044NEW Tribal Park<\/a> \/ Mary Hill IPCA (proposed)\n<ul>\n<li>SC\u2019IA\u2044NEW (Beecher Bay) First Nation.<\/li>\n<li>Declared:\u00a0 proposed.<\/li>\n<li>Location:\u00a0 region of Metchosin, southern Vancouver Island<\/li>\n<li>To conserve Mary Hill lands near Metchosin\/Victoria.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakabarband.ca\/copy-of-lands-culture\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">T&#8217;eqt&#8217;aqtn IPCA<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Kanaka Bar First Nation<\/li>\n<li>Declared: Proposed in 2022.<\/li>\n<li>Location: Fraser River Canyon, 14 km south of Lytton.\n<ul>\n<li>Encompasses the Kwoiek and Four Barrel watersheds and adjacent parts of the Fraser Canyon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tribalparks.com\/\">Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Tla-o-qui-aht Nation.<\/li>\n<li>Includes:\n<ul>\n<li>Wah\u2019nah\u2019juss Hilth\u2019hoo\u2019iss (Meares Island)<\/li>\n<li>Ha\u2019uukmin (Kennedy Lake Watershed)<\/li>\n<li>Tranquil Tribal Park<\/li>\n<li>Esowista Tribal Park<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Declared:\u00a0 1984.<\/li>\n<li>Location: central west coast of Vancouver Island.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gitanyowchiefs.ca\/wilp-sustainability\/meziadin-indigenous-protected-area\/\">Wilp Wii Litsxw Meziadin IPCA<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Declared in 2012.<\/li>\n<li>Location: 54,000-hectare area in Nass\/Kitwanga watershed in northwest region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>To protect salmon habitat and watershed values.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr class=\"before-footnotes clear\" \/><div class=\"footnotes\"><ol><li id=\"footnote-214-1\">Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 43. <a href=\"#return-footnote-214-1\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 1\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-214-2\">Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 34.  <a href=\"#return-footnote-214-2\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 2\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-214-3\">Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 35. <a href=\"#return-footnote-214-3\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 3\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-214-4\">Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 36. <a href=\"#return-footnote-214-4\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 4\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-214-5\">Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), pp. 38-41.  <a href=\"#return-footnote-214-5\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 5\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-214-6\">Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 27. <a href=\"#return-footnote-214-6\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 6\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-214-7\">Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018), p. 45. <a href=\"#return-footnote-214-7\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 7\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":1858,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"Module.Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":"cc-by-nc-sa"},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[57],"class_list":["post-214","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","license-cc-by-nc-sa"],"part":77,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/214","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1858"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=214"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/214\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1421,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/214\/revisions\/1421"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/77"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/214\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=214"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=214"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=214"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/landuseplanninginbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}