IPCA

Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas are vital to the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia as they offer our Nation a leadership role in protecting and managing places, within our traditional territory, that are essential to our Nation’s culture and spirituality.

Through Indigenous legal and stewardship concepts such as Netukulimk, Msit No’kmaq and Etuaptmumk, the Mi’kmaq have developed systems to manage and protect lands and resources, particularly those lands and resources that are sacred to Mi’kmaw spirituality, history and cultural continuity.

IPCAs are 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.

IPCAs vary in terms of their governance and management objectives. However, they generally share three essential elements:
• IPCAs are Indigenous-led
• IPCAs represent a long-term commitment to conservation
• IPCAs elevate Indigenous rights and responsibilities

In 2015, Canada initiated a process to identify and protect 17% of their lands for ecological and heritage values. As a part of that process the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE) was established to explore the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) throughout the country. The Mi’kmaq, through UINR, participated in this process. It was recognized that Reconciliation is not just required between diverse elements of society, it is also required more generally between humanity and the environment.

Related News

What is killing our eagles?

What is killing our eagles?

June 4, 2012Moose, News

The next presentation in Wagmatcook’s Lecture Series on Thursday June 14 looks at an issue that is affecting the health of both wildlife and the people who eat from food harvested from the land. Kitpu, the eagle is a powerful and important symbol for Mi’kmaq people. Some Mi’kmaq believe that the eagle is the only … Read More

UINR staff featured at Wagmatcook Lecture Series

UINR staff featured at Wagmatcook Lecture Series

February 10, 2012Moose, News, Research

UINR Moose Management Coordinator Clifford Paul and UINR Biologist and Research Coordinator Shelley Denny are presenting at the Wagmatcook Lecture Series on Thursday February 23 at 10:00 am. Clifford will discuss moose regulations and harvesting initiatives underway through the province-wide Moose Management Initiative. Shelley’s talk will be on the science of eels, covering such topics … Read More

Feast in the Highlands 2011

Feast in the Highlands 2011

January 7, 2012Galleries, Moose, News

It was a beautiful, sunny fall day for the sixth annual Feast in the Highlands, an event that usually has snow and sleet to dampen the coals of the campfires! For the past six years, the Moose Working Group has organized a gathering in the Cape Breton Highlands to celebrate the annual moose hunt and … Read More

Invitation to the feast

Invitation to the feast

October 2, 2011Moose, News

Join us on Saturday October 8 at noon for the Sixth Annual Feast in the Highlands. Check out the invitation for full details. Bring your appetite! If you have any questions, contact Clifford Paul, UINR’s Moose Management Coordinator at clifford@uinr.ca.    

Importance of Moose Harvester Reporting

Importance of Moose Harvester Reporting

August 30, 2011Moose, News

Moose harvest time approaches and another season has stealthily crept upon us. For many it signals the need to reflect upon and experience the splendour and beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands. Clifford Paul, Moose Management Coordinator at UINR explains “As we partake in our yearly harvest of moose, it is universally recognized by hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike that … Read More

Moose management–the next step

February 25, 2010Moose, News

Moose management–the next step The release in August of Tiamuwel Netuklimkewe–Unama’ki Moose Harvesting According to Netukulimk was an historic moment for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. It showed that we accept the responsibility as stewards of the resource and that the time has come to assert our rights. Clifford Paul, Moose Management Coordinator explains, “The … Read More

A Giant Leap

A Giant Leap

November 15, 2009Moose, Netukulimk, News

A giant leap After years of consultation, research and planning, Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs released Mi’kmaq guidelines for moose hunting in Cape Breton. Tia’muwe’l Netuklimkewe’l–Unama’ki Moose Harvesting According to Netukulimk was created by the Mi’kmaq people of Nova Scotia and is an important step for Mi’kmaq self-governance over our traditional resources. If you … Read More

Guidelines for Cape Breton Moose Hunting released

September 16, 2009Moose, Netukulimk, News, Partnerships

The Cape Breton Highlands have always been known as traditional Mi’kmaq hunting grounds. In fact, a Mi’kmaq hunter recently found a 4500 year-old arrowhead there, evidence that Mi’kmaq hunted there for thousands of years. However, in the 1800s, moose disappeared from Unama’ki and this ancient relationship came to an abrupt end that lasted for almost … Read More

Moose gathering findings

Moose gathering findings

December 27, 2008Galleries, Moose, News

The findings of a two-day conference–Mawikwamk Wjit Tia’muk–Mi’kmaq Gathering on Moose have been released. Delegates representing Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq communities met and discussed developing guidelines for the native moose hunt in the Cape Breton Highlands. Dan Christmas, a conference facilitator explains, “The Mi’kmaq have treaty and aboriginal rights to hunt and we have taken an … Read More

Moose symposium

September 27, 2008Moose, News

Moose have provided so much to the Mi’kmaq through the years and now they will provide a model for self-government. Clifford Paul, Moose Management Coordinator explains, “The moose symposium is a significant event for Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq as it sets the framework for self-government. By empowering communities to take an active role in management, we … Read More

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