Indigenous cultural heritage policies & local planning - A case study in the Land of Plenty

Indigenous cultural heritage (ICH) is rapidly diminishing worldwide, driven by factors like development, private property rights, and colonial planning. This study centers on the Comox Valley within the Land of Plenty, the Territory of K'ómoks First Nation, serving as a case study that examines the interplay between Indigenous cultural heritage policies and local planning. Through 40 semi-structured interviews with local planners and knowledge holders, I identify pathways of ICH protection through local government implementation of K'ómoks First Nation's Cultural Heritage Policy. The purpose of this research paper is to explore how First Nations exert self-determination over their ICH, how ICH interacts with local planning, and how local governments can respond to strengthen ICH protection at the local level. The findings reveal that local level implementation of Indigenous cultural heritage policies helps ensure that ICH protection strategies are place-based, effective, and appropriate. This implementation simultaneously fosters relationships and enhances cross-cultural knowledge and respect.