Indigenous leadership in creating a protected area: The Akumunan Biodiversity Reserve (Canada)

Conservation initiatives led by Indigenous peoples are a relatively recent phenomenon gaining momentum around the world. Initiatives to establish Indigenous protected areas are also taking root in Canada. We studied the Akumunan Biodiversity Reserve (ABR) in the province of Quebec to assess (1) the approach followed by the Essipit Innu First Nation (EIFN) Band Council to implement the ABR; (2) the EIFN's vision that led to the creation of the ABR; and (3) the role the EIFN would like to play in the governance of the ABR. Six focus groups conducted with 22 community members have shown that the process which led to the creation of the ABR was fraught with challenges. The EIFN's vision for the ABR is holistic - everything must be protected to respect the memory of the Elders and ensure natural resource sustainability. To ensure the respect of this vision, the community wants to play a leading role in governing the ABR. The EIFN faced many challenges, notably administrative hurdles, opposition due to cultural and value differences, lack of long-term funding, and disregard for the relationship that Indigenous people have with the land. Respecting EIFN's vision also demands that traditional activities on the land be allowed to continue in protected areas, in order to guarantee that the identity, culture, health, and well-being of current and future generations will be maintained. The community management model developed by the EIFN Band Council provides useful insights on the process leading to the acknowledgement of the Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area status. Moreover, it could be a source of inspiration for other Indigenous conservation projects.

Automated summary

Conservation initiatives led by Indigenous peoples are gaining momentum globally, including in Canada. This study evaluated the Akumunan Biodiversity Reserve in Quebec, focusing on the approach of the Essipit Innu First Nation (EIFN) Band Council, their vision for the reserve, and the role they want to play in its governance. The study identified various challenges faced by EIFN, such as administrative hurdles, cultural differences, lack of funding, and disregard for the Indigenous people's connection to the land. The findings highlight the importance of respecting the vision of EIFN, which includes the continuation of traditional activities in protected areas.