News Release - April 27, 2015

“Tribal Parks 101” to explore First Nations land governance systems in BC

VICTORIA - Representatives from several First Nations, along with the Wilderness Committee, will hold an event this evening to raise awareness about tribal parks, a unique conservation and alternative development model.

Tribal parks are designed, declared and governed by First Nations, and are aimed at protecting both ecological integrity and human and social well-being within a certain area.

“The industrial approach hasn’t worked for us so far, it hasn’t benefited our people or the lands and waters of our territories,” said Saya Masso, Natural Resource Manager for the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. “Tribal parks are a healthier alternative.”

The event will take place at Atomique Productions HQ (1501 Douglas St.) at 7:00 p.m. and will focus on the experiences of tribal park declaration and governance in regions like Clayoquot Sound and the Chilcotin Plateau. First Nations in these and other areas have declared tribal parks within their territories as proactive conservation measures and expressions of nationhood.

“Conservation of ecosystems is important, but not at the expense of human communities and local livelihoods,” said Eli Enns, tribal parks expert and director for the Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCA) Consortium. “Tribal parks balance the protection of environmental and human well-being more effectively than other protected areas.”

“Tribal parks are really exciting but they don’t yet have widespread recognition; we hope to change that with events like tonight’s,” said Torrance Coste, Vancouver Island Campaigner with the Wilderness Committee.

“Tribal parks are an embodiment of nation-building and sovereignty for First Nations,” Enns explained. “Understanding tribal parks and how we can support them is important for all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.”

Panelists at the event include Enns, Masso and Chief Russell Myers Ross of the Yunesit'in First Nation, who has been working with other Tsilhqot'in Nation communities to develop the Dasiqox Tribal Park in the Chilcotin region.

NOTE: Panelists will be available for interviews at or before the event.

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For more information, contact:

Eli Enns | North American Director, ICCA Consortium
250-522-2727, eli_enns@msn.com

Saya Masso | Natural Resource Manager, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
250-726-5076, saya@tla-o-qui-aht.org

Torrance Coste | Vancouver Island Campaigner, Wilderness Committee
torrance@wildernesscommittee.org

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1422497161397874/