Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs)
Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) are defined by the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE) as “lands and waters where Indigenous 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.”
ICE, through its engagements with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, found that IPCAs vary in terms of their governance and management approaches, but share three core characteristics.
IPCAs…
Are Indigenous-led (i.e., Indigenous Nations, governments, and their communities play a lead 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, ice, and future generations.
In short, IPCAs are modern expressions of the inherent rights, relationships, and responsibilities Indigenous Peoples have held within their traditional territories for millennia.
To learn more about IPCAs, click on the button below or visit the IPCA Knowledge Basket at: www.ipcaknowledgebasket.ca