Page 12 - Conserved Area News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

The Ross River Dena Council is doubling down on work to establish an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area, according to the First Nation's chief.

As Yukon marks 50 years since the start of land claim negotiations, one First Nation in the territory is not celebrating. The Kaska Dena in Ross River say settling a land claim in their traditional territory would go against their fundamental beliefs and values.

"When the Mamalilikulla First Nation unilaterally declared an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area in their traditional territory in late 2021, it was as much to protect rare corals and sponges as reestablish connection to lands and waters from which the community had been forcefully removed. Now Canada is backing the nation, adding marine protections under federal law".

Fifteen First Nations are assuming stewardship of the Great Bear Sea marine protected area network that covers two-thirds of Canada’s West Coast.

Officials and First Nations leaders announced that they will be closing fisheries and establishing a marine refuge along the South Coast of B.C. Sunday.