Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs)
Webinar Summary
B.C. First Nations have declared more than a dozen Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). In general, this means the Nations want to elevate their role in stewarding the land, water and air. The specifics can vary widely. There is no established avenue for creating IPCAs. And the recreation community’s input and role in the process remains largely unknown.
To help fill in the information gaps, the ORCBC invited representatives from two IPCA initiatives to share their visions and answer questions .
Thank you to The Real Estate Foundation of BC for sponsoring this webinar.
Watch the webinar Recording
Review Eric’s slides
Panelists
Byron Spinks, Lytton First Nation elder and lead on the Stein Nahatlatch IPCA Initiative
Eric Angel, General Manager for the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation’s Salmon Parks Stewardship Society.
The concepts
IPCA goals are as diverse as the Nations declaring them. Some will focus on protecting one watershed. Others will be massive and more diverse with economic and land management objectives. Many will land somewhere in between. They are not synonymous with protection, but often include a component of preservation.
The Stein Nahatlatch IPCA would protect up to 1.5-million hectares of Lytton FN traditional territory in the Fraser Canyon and Coast Mountains region. The Nation wants to implement land management that better reflects their traditional values.
The Salmon Parks are 67,000 hectares broken into six parcels in the Nootka Sound region. The vision is led by the principles of the Nuu-chah-nuulth principles and the idea of “letting nature take its course.”
The path to creation
Most IPCAs are self-declared, which means they are not formally recognized by any government statutes or laws. There is no existing designation that could encompass all the variety in visions and aspirations for the ~13 self declared IPCAS in the province. Instead each one requires a bespoke process, which slows down the consultation and recognition process. Many IPCAs are therefore focused more on “de facto” recognition: a public acceptance and respect for the IPCA designation and Indigenous co-management.
Salmon Parks is pursuing a multi-stage process for recognition that includes “relaw.” Developed by West Coast Environmental Law, it is a path to revitalizing Indigenous law for land, air and water to translate traditional, oral stories about legal orders into a modern context that can be implemented and enforced today.
Overall, both Angel and Spinks promise their IPCA process will be transparent and inclusive, including opportunities for input from the recreation community. “We want to take the time to make sure all the people involved fully understand the process,” said Spinks. “We won’t do it alone. We want partnership with all levels of government and all stakeholders.”
Recreation access
There may be some restrictions in restoration areas or culturally sensitive zones. But overall IPCAs view recreation and tourism as an important aspect of the sustainability of IPCAs. Salmon Parks aspires to create new recreation opportunities, like reviving a long distance grease route trail. And will be looking to partner with recreation groups.
How to contribute and support
Start by learning about IPCA and the interest of Nations in your region. Approach the land and resource, stewardship or land planning department of the Nation. Let them know your interest and support. Ask about any protocols and follow them. Showing respect goes a long way into building a trusting relationship.
Resources and links
Background Resources
Isaak Olam, an organization working on IPCAs in BC
Where are the IPCAs?
This report from the David Suzuki Foundation has information on existing tribal parks and IPCAs in BC.
There is no comprehensive list of self-declared IPCAs. Here is a partial list:
Stein Nahatlatch IPCA Initiative
Taku River Tlingit First Nation IPCA
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