This short video shares the story of Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA), declared by Mamalkulla First Nation in November of 2021. In February 2023, the marine portion of IPCA became the first marine refuge in the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Areas Network.

Mamalkulla First Nation’s territory is located in Knight Inlet (British Columbia). Their goals for this 10,416-hectare IPCA include: Protecting unique habitats and culturally significant species; preserving the cultural connection to land, sea, and sky; creating economic opportunities through ecosystem management; ensuring food security; safeguarding important archaeological and cultural sites; and embracing integrated approaches to planning and management.