IPCA’s (Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas)

Useful Links: IPCA Knowledge Basket CPAW NAB

The idea of a National Urban Park seems to be on hold but in the meantime, IPCA’s are in the news with an odd momentum. It seems IPCA’s have been going forward with Federal and Provincial governments with the Metis Nation of Alberta, but without input from Treaty 6 and 7 decision makers. Is the province overstepping its juristriction and forgetting the unique relationship between First Nations and the Crown?

According the their website, MÉTIS-LED IPCAS are works in progress. They are building an Alberta-wide IPCA network to provide opportunities for Citizens to connect with nature, practice their culture, and conserve land for future generations.

However, there is still much to be worked out in terms of land claims and land rights. Please take a look at this link regarding concerns from Treaty 6. “The Siksikaitsitapi Ohkin’ninaiiks (Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs), representing the Kainai Blood Tribe, Piikani, Siksika, and Aamsskaapipikani Nations, stands firm in protecting Blackfoot Territory and the sovereignty of our Nations. The Chiefs are calling on the Governments of Canada and Alberta to stop supporting Métis-led initiatives taking place within our lands, the Blackfoot Treaty Territory.” In solidarity, there are also concerns coming from Treaty 7 territory. Citing long-standing treaty rights and judicial precedents, Treaty 6 and 7 chiefs are saying such initiatives should not be supported by the Canadian or Alberta governments unless restricted to areas legally recognized as Métis.

“Otherwise, they threaten the sovereignty, cultural integrity and resource access of treaty nations without meaningful consultation or consent,” the statement reads.

On hearing of Treaty 6 and 7 concerns, the Metis Nation stated, “We welcome all Indigenous partners, including the Blackfoot Confederacy, to engage with us in meaningful dialogue to explore opportunities for collaboration and shared stewardship of these spaces,” Métis government officials stated in response. “During a time when many native species and habitats across Alberta have been lost, we should be working together to care for the land, not against each other.”

When making land decisions, ERVCC is reminded we must consider the following:

  • Who holds rights on the land in question?

  • Is the land stolen, and we must reconsider our relationships and address past wrongs?

  • Have we first and foremost consulted with the rights holders of the land?

Hopefully, Provincial and Federal Governments, along with the Metis Nation of Alberta can properly reach out to Treaty 6 and 7 and find a way to respect Treaty between the First Nations and the Crown. In the meantime, the Otipemisiwak Metis Government is doing great work on land stewardship and citizen engagement.

Keep an eye on the placeholder below for any news on National Urban Parks

 To be archived? Edmonton”s NATIONAL URBAN PARK

In the summer of 2021, the Federal Government announced its intention to create new National Urban Parks across the country and in the spring of 2022, Parks Canada and the City of Edmonton announced a partnership to explore creating a National Urban Park here in Edmonton. ERVCC supports a River Valley National Urban Park and participated in a stakeholder group discussing what this park could look like. So far Canada has one National Urban Park already: Rouge National Urban Park outside Toronto. For more background on this initiative, see CPAWS’ Northern Alberta’s description here, and Parks Canada’s press release here. Timelines and more of Edmonton’s plans can be found here.

View the executive director of CPAWs Northern Alberta in this CBC interview

National Urban Parks need a bit of Myth Busting. Edmonton’s Park would still remain under Edmonton’s control. Fees would not be charged as with National Parks like Elk Island. What we do get is funding, notoriety, and help to achieve many benefits.

Urban Parks have many benefits for Canadians, such as…

  • Protecting and conserving wildlife habitat

  • Connecting people with nature

  • Improving mental and physical health 

  • Supporting reconciliation

  • Mitigating climate change and extreme weather

  • Offering opportunities for nature and cultural education

Another reason to support a National Urban Park is that biodiversity frameworks call for all levels of government to work together to achieve our collective biodiversity goals as called for by the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity.