Public resources to support Indigenous-led conservation
All of these public resources are available on the IPCA Knowledge Basket, one of the CRP’s legacy projects.
balancing the narrative: communications guidelines for Indigenous-led conservation
These guidelines offer anti-oppressive practices, considerations, and approaches for communicating with and about Indigenous conservation leadership within the Canadian context. This document serves as a framework for co-developing communications strategies, approaches, and content with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners in a respectful, reciprocal, and responsible manner.
These guidelines attempt to shed light on the enduring impacts of colonialism. They also aim to encourage relationship-building based on reconciliation, trust, respect, equity, open dialogue, integrity, and mutual accountability. These guidelines are the result of a collaborative effort rooted in the principles of relationships, respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. and a commitment to support Indigenous-led conservation. They were developed through the collective vision and efforts of the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership’s Communications Learning Circle.
Elevating Indigenous governance and Leadership in Urban Parks: Possibilities, Challenges, and Pathways
The purpose of this report is to share key considerations and resources to support Indigenous Nations, governments, and organizations who may be contemplating Indigenous-led conservation initiatives in urbanized territories. The resource is intended to support Indigenous Nations and their governments in navigating a myriad of power imbalances as they reassert their self-determination and sovereignty in the face of ongoing settler colonial violence.
The report was authored by Robin Roth and Allison Bishop, with contributions from the participants who attended a two-day workshop hosted by the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership and the National Urban Park Hub at the University of Windsor. This report was deeply enriched through several key informant interviews, as well as a thorough review by and contributions from three experts: Clint Jacobs, Peter Lariviere, and Doug Anderson. This report was made possible through funding provided by the Parks Canada Agency and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Frequently Asked Questions About IPCAs
As the recognition and advancement of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas or IPCAs increases across what is now known as Canada, several questions are being asked about their creation, development, and management. The Frequently Asked Questions about IPCAs was created to help address this. It was developed through a close collaboration between the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership, the IISAAK OLAM Foundation, and the Indigenous Leadership Initiative. It was prepared by Kristy Tomkinson with support from Robin Roth, Allison Bishop, Larry Innes, Emily Cousins, and Justine Townsend.
Respect and Responsibility: Integrating Indigenous Rights and Private Conservation in Canada
This report provides guidance for private land conservation organizations seeking to adapt their practices and build respectful and appropriate relationships with Indigenous Nations. It is also an important tool for conservation organizations seeking to understand the legal and policy landscape that frames key relationships with Indigenous communities in Canada and abroad. It was prepared by
Larry Innes (Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP), Ian Attridge (Barrister and Solicitor; Trent University), and Skeena Lawson (Juris Doctor Candidate, University of Victoria). It was created with support from the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership.
Speaking Across Knowledge Systems: A Podcast Series
Speaking Across Knowledge Systems is a series of conversations with Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental science scholars and practitioners about how they approach, understand, and engage with diverse knowledge systems in their work. The podcast delves into the different paths to acquiring, respecting, and sharing knowledge, and how to move beyond a singular focus on Western ways of thinking and doing to achieve conservation goals.
This project was conceived by the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership (CRP) Knowledge System Stream members and brought to life through the consideration, care, and diligence from Daniel de Kok, as host, editor, and lead producer of this podcast. We are grateful to the members of CRP’s Knowledge Systems Stream who generously shared their knowledge and for their thoughtfulness in sharing their expertise, learning, and reflections. They include: Dr. Deborah McGregor (Steam Lead), Jonaki Bhattacharyya, Karen Beazley, Nathan Cardinal, Soudeh Jamshidian, Dr. Gita Ljubicic, Allyson Menzies, Andrea Reid, Dr. Jennifer Silver, Jeji Varghese, and Barbara Moktthewenkwe Wall. The work of Kristy Tomkinson and Elena McCulloch in transcript editing, logistical support, and web development has been invaluable in executing the vision of this project.
Reweaving the Legal Fabric: Indigenous Governance and Conservation Law in Canada
On September 25, 2024, the David Suzuki Foundation hosted a panel called “Reweaving the Legal Fabric: Indigenous Governance and Conservation Law in Canada.” The event was a partnership between the David Suzuki Foundation, the University of Ottawa, Ecojustice, and the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership. The event featured Victoria Watson, co-chair of the Reconciliation Working Group at Ecojustice; Kristen Boone, Dean of Common Law at the University of Ottawa; Jesse Wente, an Indigenous broadcaster and film critic, and panelists Aimée Craft (Associate Professor Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa and Anishinaabe-Métis lawyer from Treaty 1 territory, Manitoba), Lisa Young (Biologist & Executive Director of Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources), and Sue Chiblow (Assistant Professor, School of Environmental Sciences’, University of Guelph & Environmental Policy Analyst).
Panelists shared stories and teachings about reconciliation, self-determination, and weaving Indigenous laws and knowledge into environmental conservation. Panelists also highlighted challenges, including colonial legal systems, a lack of understanding, and funding, but shared hopeful examples, such as Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and cross-border water governance. The panel ended with a call to invest in Indigenous communities, honour the land and its treaties, and centre truth and knowledge as the path forward.
Report: Indigenous Laws in the Context of Conservation
To successfully build Nation-to-Nation and Crown-to-Inuit relationships that recognize and reconcile Crown and Indigenous jurisdictions and authorities, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) governance arrangements must find ways to bring together Indigenous and Crown legal systems. This report examines SGaan Kinghlas-Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area in Haida Gwaii and Thaidene Nëné in Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation territory as two contemporary examples of how Indigenous laws operate alongside Crown laws within IPCAs. The report makes recommendations for how mutual recognition of Indigenous and Crown jurisdictions throughout the establishment, management, and operation of IPCAs can advance effective conservation and provide a pathway for reconciliation. It was prepared by Larry Innes (Olthius Kleer Townshend), Georgia Lloyd-Smith (West Coast Environmental Law), and the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership with contributions from Tara Rose McDonald, J.D. Candidate (University of Ottawa Faculty of Law), Patricia Lopez Kalalo, J.D. Candidate (University of Victoria Faculty of Law), Sarah Jackson, J.D. (University of Victoria Faculty of Law, Transform Research), Professor Deborah Curran (Environmental Law Centre at the University of Victoria).