Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs)
IPCAs are lands and waters where Indigenous governments lead protection through Indigenous laws, governance, and knowledge systems.
The Indigenous Circle of Experts defined IPCAs in the 2018 report We Rise Together. Culture and language are described as the heart and soul of an IPCA — not an add-on to conventional parks.
IPCAs can be established by Indigenous Nations without requiring Canadian government designation, though partnerships exist (e.g. Thaidene Nëné, Edéhzhíe).
The IPCA Knowledge Basket holds community stories, planning tools, and resources for Nations establishing IPCAs.