Indigenous connections

Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that recognizes and honours the historic and contemporary contributions of Indigenous Peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationships Indigenous Peoples have with ancestral lands, waters and ice.

Indigenous language place names

Indigenous connections to ancestral lands, waters and ice appear in the names of many heritage places.

Guardian and Watchmen programs

Indigenous Guardian programs support Indigenous stewardship based on a cultural responsibility for the land.

Indigenous leadership in conservation

Since time immemorial, First Nations, Inuit and Métis have been nurturing relationships with lands, water and ice, resulting in deep understandings of places and living systems.

Indigenous relations, stewardship and guidance

Strong relationships with Indigenous partners are essential to Parks Canada’s work and contribute to the process of reconciliation.

Sharing stories

Indigenous Peoples are partners in conserving natural and cultural heritage and sharing the stories of these treasured places.

Strengthening the land and people in a changing climate

A windstorm at SG̱ang Gwaay Llnagaay became an opportunity to breathe Haida environmental and cultural stewardship into this landscape.

Bison conservation initiative

The recovery of the Plains Bison from near extinction is one of the great success stories of wildlife conservation in North America, achieved in collaboration with Indigenous partners.

Protecting and monitoring remote shipwrecks

Community members from Gjoa Haven help protect and monitor two shipwreck sites, integrating Inuit knowledge into site operations.

Working together

Parks Canada is committed to ensuring Indigenous connections are honoured, and Indigenous rights are respected.

Collaborations and partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, communities and organizations are fundamental to Parks Canada fulfilling its mandate to protect and present natural and cultural heritage in Canada.

Indigenous tourism experiences

Learn first-hand about First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, traditions, and connections to the lands, water and ice. Listen to Indigenous voices share their stories, rich in history and culture.

Find an experience

Additional resources

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