Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, or ‘IPCAs’ as they are commonly known, are Indigenous-led initiatives that typically involve one or a group of Indigenous Nations declaring an area (or areas) as a priority for community-led stewardship and management.
When an Indigenous Nation decides to establish an IPCA, it means they are taking up the responsibility for leadership in decision making on stewardship practices in that area.
IPCAs can be declared anywhere within an Indigenous Nation’s territory. If multiple Nations declare an IPCA together, the IPCA may cover multiple territories. The location, size, and types of areas included (e.g., lands, waters, or both) are determined by the Nation(s) establishing the IPCA.
Across Canada, IPCAs share three common elements:
1. They reflect the deep connection and inter-dependence between Indigenous rights holders and the land and water and the ecosystems that sustain the meaningful practice of Indigenous rights.
2. They are designed to ensure that Indigenous peoples and governments play a central role in decision making and implementation, whether independently or in collaboration or partnership with others.
3. They support the restoration of governance systems based on Indigenous laws and rights while also ensuring they remain meaningful for future generations.
Indigenous Nations don’t need permission or approval from Canadian governments to declare IPCAs, but some choose to collaborate on shared management plans or pursue special designation under Canadian law alongside Indigenous law. Others choose to act independently or in collaboration with other partners. The specifics are shaped by the Nation(s) leading the process, who decide how the area will be protected and managed, with or without outside partners. Learn more about the process involved in establishing an IPCA here.
Several IPCA initiatives are underway across Kaska Territory, including a proposed initiative led by LFN. Curious about IPCAs beyond Kaska Territory? Explore the IPCA Knowledge Basket to learn more.
IPCAs are “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.”