Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon: A New Protected Marine Reserve for the Central Coast
Leaders from the Wuikinuxv, Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Heiltsuk, Gitxaała, and Gitga’at Nations, along with Canada and British Columbia, have signed a collaborative agreement to establish a new National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (NMCAR). The Nations have simultaneously declared an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) that shares the same footprint and name.
Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon (“Realm of the Salmon, Home of the Salmon”) provides marine protection for 6,700 square kilometres of coastal waters.
This NMCAR and IPCA will ensure marine ecosystems and biodiversity continue to thrive, while safeguarding culturally important values and supporting all coastal communities—along with the many marine sectors that depend on a healthy, resilient ocean.
The establishment of Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon uplifts generations of stewardship by the Nations who have cared for these waters for thousands of years. It will ensure marine ecosystems and biodiversity continue to thrive, safeguard culturally important values, and support Indigenous and coastal communities—along with the many marine sectors that depend on a healthy, resilient ocean.
This is a joint commitment by the six Nations, Canada and British Columbia to the shared cultural, ecological and economic values in the Central Coast region, protecting and managing the area in a way that meets the needs of present and future generations.
Quotes
“On behalf of my Nation, my elders, our youth, and our ancestors, I am so proud to be a part of the advancement of marine protection on the Central Coast. For many years, we have watched our oolichan disappear and our salmon stocks diminish. It is our responsibility to care for this land, as it cares for us, and to support it in a way that enables it to flourish and thrive. I feel confident that the Central Coast NMCAR and IPCA marine protection initiatives are moving us in this direction, allowing us to uplift the species that do not have a voice while ensuring they can continue to sustain the communities and cultures of the coast for generations to come.“
– Chief Marlou Shaw, Wuikinuxv Nation
“As Nuxalkmc, we hold an unrelinquishable su7ulm (title right) over our lands and waters, which we have successfully stewarded for thousands of years. The responsibilities Nuxalk carry as part of our su7ulm will be exercised through the joint agreements we have with our neighbouring Nations and our Crown partners to caretake Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon for generations to come. These collaborative agreements demonstrate how important it is that we continue to work together to protect these vital marine ecosystems we all depend upon.”
– Tlhmtimut Samuel Schooner, Chief Councillor, Nuxalk Nation
“We are thrilled to announce this new designation, which underscores our unwavering commitment to marine conservation. This marine protected area is not only a sanctuary for marine life but also a bold step forward in our shared responsibility as stewards of the ocean. For the first time in our Nation’s history, this area will be recognized as both an Indigenous Protected Area and a National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, uniting our efforts with provincial and federal governments to manage this precious resource collaboratively. This is a long-awaited milestone that will enhance conservation and sustainability while benefiting commercial, recreational, and First Nations food fishers alike. I think this will be one of the strongest marine protected areas on the planet.”
– Chief Chris McKnight, Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation
“For countless generations, our Nations have cared for these waters because they are inseparable from who we are as coastal peoples. The establishment of Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon reflects decades of Indigenous leadership, collaboration, and persistence to protect the marine ecosystems that sustain our cultures, communities, and economies. These collaborative agreements are an important step towards ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from healthy oceans, thriving biodiversity, and strong coastal communities on the Central Coast.”
– K̓áwáziɫ Marilyn Slett, Chief Councillor, Heiltsuk Tribal Council
