Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) are defined by the Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018, p. 5) as “lands and waters where Indigenous Nations, their communities, and/or governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems. Culture and language are the heart and soul of an IPCA.”

  • In the Canadian context and according to the Indigenous Circle of Experts (2018, p. 5-6), IPCAs represent:

    • A modern application of traditional values, Indigenous laws, and knowledge systems;
    • An exercise in cultural continuity on the land and waters;
    • A foundation for local, Indigenous-led economies;
    • Opportunities to reconnect to the land and heal both the land and Indigenous Peoples;
    • An acknowledgement of international law, such as Canada’s Treaties, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other relevant commitments;
    • An opportunity for true reconciliation to take place between Indigenous and settler societies, and between broader Canadian society and the land and waters, including relationships in pre-existing parks and protected areas; and
    • An innovative expression of Section 35 (Constitution Act 1982), which enshrines Indigenous rights in the Canadian constitution.

 

  • The Indigenous Circle of Experts, through their engagement process and research, found that IPCAs vary in terms of their governance and management approaches. At a minimum, IPCAs:

    • Are Indigenous-led. Indigenous Nations, their communities, and/or governments play a leading role in establishing and maintaining them;
    • Represent a long-term commitment to conservation and stewardship; and
    • Centre Indigenous rights and responsibilities to the lands, waters, and future generations.

To learn more about IPCAs, visit the Frequently Asked Questions about Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas resource.