What we do
IPCAs
Indigenous Protected and Cultural Areas (IPCAs)
Since 2020, Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Wlo’tmnen Nmaqami’kminu has been supporting the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Cultural Areas (IPCAs) by securing the permanent protection of unceded lands in New Brunswick that are sacred to the Mi’gmaq people.
The sacred lands being protected as IPCAs are rich in biodiversity, help fight climate change, are culturally and ecologically significant and contribute to Canada's goal of conserving 30% of the country's land and water by 2030.
More widely known as Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, IPCAs are Indigenous-led protected areas that represent a long-term commitment to conservation that elevates Indigenous rights and responsibilities. Guidance for the creation of these IPCAs is provided by the Indigenous Circle of Experts Report, We Rise Together. In New Brunswick, Fort Folly Habitat Recovery, Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn, the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council, and the Passamaquoddy Recognition Group began working together in 2019 to pioneer the establishment of IPCAs. The vision of the Wabanaki partners is to create a network of IPCAs across the province which in turn will connect to a larger network of protected areas managed by federal, provincial, and Indigenous governments. These areas will be cared for by the following principles: 1) they elevate Indigenous rights and responsibilities, 2) they are Indigenous-owned 3) they are governed by Indigenous laws 4) they are governed by Indigenous governing bodies 5) they are managed in accordance with Indigenous Knowledge 6) they advance the objective of natural, spiritual, and cultural protection and conservation, and 7) they are assessed, selected, and protected in accordance with criteria developed by the Nations.
Private Land
Private Land Securement
Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Nmaqami’kminu acquires private land in a fair, transparent, and ethical manner by following all legal requirements and the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility, while operating in alignment with Mi'gmaq values. Lands that are acquired are Fee-Simple: through purchase or donation, or protected through Conservation Easement in collaboration with private landowners, including other land trusts. Securement funding has been provided by Canada’s Nature Fund, administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada, in agreements with our founding members: Amlamgog (Fort Folly) First Nation and Mi’gmaqwe’l Tplu’taqnn. The objective of the funding is to conserve and protect wildlife and habitats, recover species at risk, and engage Indigenous people in conservation by establishing a network of Indigenous Protected and Cultural Areas.
Crown Land
Crown Land Securement
A Crown to Indigenous Conservation Easement has been worked on by the Wabanaki Nations and New Brunswick’s Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development. One of the reasons for easement development is to provide better protection of critical habitat for Plamu (Salmon), Wisqoq (Black Ash), and many other species at risk in New Brunswick. Since February of 2020, Keki’namuanen Msit Wen Wlo’tmnen Nmaqami’kminu has been able to legally and responsibly hold Crown to Indigenous Conservation Easements to provide interim protection for areas identified by the Mi’gmaq for the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Cultural Areas.
