Informing indigenous marine protection in Gitga'at territory

Many Indigenous communities in the world have established protected areas to assert control over and protect areas in their traditional territories. Canadian policymakers are also examining how such Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) may advance marine conservation goals. However, the experience with IPCAs in marine settings in Canada is limited. This research project examines the marine conservation efforts of the Gitga’at First Nation on the west coast of Canada as a case study. The Gitga’at people are exploring the possibility of a marine IPCA in their traditional territory. I conducted interviews to investigate Gitga’at marine conservation values and management preferences, and used the results to develop a draft management plan for a prospective IPCA for the Gitga’at. Based on the case study, I identify challenges and make recommendations for the Gitga’at and other Indigenous communities to consider in the establishment of marine IPCAs.