How a resurgence in Indigenous governance is leading to better conservation – The Narwhal

Far from the old mentality of ‘fortress conservation’ that deemed only empty landscapes as adequately protected, a new era of Indigenous-led conservation is not only better at protecting wild places but embraces the communities and cultures that have stewarded these lands since time immemorial

Even when governments have good intentions — like promoting conservation — they don’t necessarily move forward with plans for Indigenous territories in a productive or helpful way, according to Kelly Brown, director of the Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk) Integrated Resource Management Department.

“A lot of work that takes place around management planning with the province or the federal government — they get all the work done, and then they come to us,” Brown told The Narwhal.

“They don’t realize that, in the community here, we’re already working towards putting our own plans together.”

Read More: https://thenarwhal.ca/how-a-resurgence-in-indigenous-governance-is-leading-to-better-conservation/