Publications
Perspectives on landscape
A values-based framework for landscape conservation, rooted in Indigenous perspectives and intangible cultural practices, emerges as a key insight for Canada's approach to landscape management. This study contrasts Canada's unique historical and geographical context with the Historic Landscape Characterisation approach, emphasizing the importance of embedded values, knowledge, and beliefs in shaping landscapes. Two case studies—Rideau Canal (a World Heritage Site) and Pimachiowin Aki (a potential World Heritage nomination)—serve as examples to derive lessons and principles for conservation practices. The research highlights how Indigenous cultural landscapes contribute to a deeper understanding of landscape significance, offering a model that integrates both tangible and intangible heritage.
Domestic Policy Focus Highly Important For Protecting Primary Forests
A critical focus on domestic policy is more effective for protecting primary forests, particularly in developed countries that hold significant portions of these ecosystems. Canada's Boreal Forest region, encompassing 25% of the world's remaining primary forest and storing vast carbon reserves, exemplifies this approach. Over the past 15 years, Canada has established over 870,000 km² of new protected areas, with indigenous governments leading innovative land-use planning efforts, such as protecting 30,000 km² within Pimachiowin Aki. Similarly, Australia's indigenous ranger programs have expanded Indigenous Protected Areas from 568 km² in 1998 to 500,347 km² by 2014. While international agreements play a role, domestic policies—particularly those involving provincial and indigenous governments—are driving substantial on-the-ground conservation outcomes.
The Incalculable Weight of Small Numbers: Hunters, Land Use, and the Poplar River First Nation Proposal for a World Heritage Site
Poplar River First Nation's bid to designate their traditional trapline territory as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Pimachiowin Aki represents a groundbreaking Indigenous-led initiative. This effort leverages global recognition to achieve local goals, challenging conventional development paradigms and ensuring the permanence of cultural practices. Despite its small population, the community's resistance to non-renewable resource exploitation has garnered significant attention in Manitoba, Canada, and internationally. The study highlights the transformative potential of Indigenous-led conservation efforts in redefining land protection and sustainable development.
The proposed Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Project: management and protection of indigenous world heritage sites in a Canadian context
The proposed Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site Project (PPAWHSP) aims to establish a transboundary protected area spanning 43,000 km² in Canada's boreal forest, integrating First Nations' traditional lands and existing protected areas. This initiative seeks to foster community-based management, promote tourism, and ensure economic benefits for Indigenous groups while drawing lessons from other globally managed World Heritage Sites (WHS). The study emphasizes the importance of effective Indigenous involvement in governance and sustainable development, offering a model for balancing conservation with local economic growth in a Canadian context.
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