Tourism, Reconciliation and Indigenous-Led Conservation

Tourism, Reconciliation and Indigenous-Led Conservation in British Columbian Protected Areas

This Knowledge Hub addresses the urgent and complex intersections between climate change, Indigenous governance, and land management in the Interior of British Columbia. The region has faced intensifying climate crises in recent years—wildfires, floods, disrupted ecosystems—prompting Indigenous communities to lead climate responses rooted in land-based knowledge, cultural continuity, and resilience.

Indigenous Nations across the region are reasserting their legal and cultural presence in protected areas through new partnerships, Guardians initiatives, and IPCAs. These efforts contribute to conservation, cultural revitalization, and economic development, positioning Indigenous leadership as central to the future of sustainable land governance.

The Hub is guided by Indigenous methodologies, including respect, reciprocity, place-based protocols, and collaborative research grounded in relationships. With communities leading the way, research questions and knowledge-sharing strategies are co-developed to reflect local priorities, values, and laws. The Hub places a strong emphasis on inclusion, particularly of youth and Elders, and supports the braiding of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.

Communication of results is integral to the Hub’s vision. Research findings are shared using approaches defined with each community, from social media and radio to policy briefs and public reports, ensuring accessibility and relevance. These efforts help amplify Indigenous voices in regional and national conversations on climate, conservation, and reconciliation.

Ultimately, this Knowledge Hub supports Indigenous communities in becoming models of sustainable land use and conservation, advancing environmental and social outcomes that reflect their visions for self-determination, cultural continuity, and climate resilience.

Knowledge Leaders:

Dr. Courtney Mason – Professor, Canada Research Chair in Rural Livelihoods and Sustainable Communities, Thompson Rivers University
Jason Waub-Addick Johnston, MSc – Anishinaubae from Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation; Executive Board Member, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada; Assistant Professor, Thompson Rivers University

Hub Goals:

Enhance tourism and sustainable economic development in rural and Indigenous communities in the BC interior.
Examine conservation practices that support biodiversity and wildlife management of species at risk in regional protected areas.
Support healthy communities and ecosystems through Indigenous food security and sovereignty initiatives.
Assess opportunities for sustainable energy management to maximize renewable energy options and Indigenous energy sovereignty.
Measure the potential of carbon sequestration and ecosystem services in protected areas in response to the climate crisis.

Location: This project is based in the Interior of British Columbia, on diverse and largely non-treaty Indigenous territories, and focuses on protected areas, such as BC provincial parks, as well as Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) across the region.

Partners and Funders:

BC Parks
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Indigenous Tourism British Columbia
SC.WÉŃWEN, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc
Simpcw First Nation
Lower Similkameen Indigenous Band

Tourism, Reconciliation and Indigenous-Led Conservation