Long before provincial land borders were drawn, Kaska Dena peoples lived in 240,000 square kilometres of BC’s far north, southeast Yukon and southern Northwest Territories.
In our language we say Dene K’éh Kusān, which means Always Will Be There. To ensure our people and ancestral lands will thrive today and in the future, we’ve built a plan for protecting this vital piece of northern British Columbia.
Ensuring that our ancestral territory:
Does not suffer the devastating effects of climate change and biodiversity loss we’re seeing across British Columbia, Canada and around the world.
Remains intact, which is critical to preserving Kaska peoples’ material, cultural and spiritual lives.
Continues to shelter caribou, a species struggling to feed itself and breed in other parts of the province.
Sustains and creates economic opportunities for Kaska and others in northern communities.
Becomes a world-class protected area for all people to explore and enjoy.
This conservation plan builds on existing special management zones. Protected area boundaries have been carefully drawn to sustain and create jobs and to conserve biodiversity. Forestry tenures are strategically located just outside conservation boundaries and will produce forestry jobs for Kaska communities and others where none exist today. Conservation areas avoid or minimize overlap with existing mining and oil and gas extraction sites.
This protected area also opens up exciting economic opportunities for Kaska to welcome and guide outdoor enthusiasts who come to fish, hunt, hike, and camp in our ancestral territory.
In the spirit and practice of reconciliation, we’ve asked the federal and B.C. governments to support our Indigenous-led conservation plan.
Add your voice to our efforts by signing the Statement of Support.
