Protecting Indigenous Relationships with the Land through IPCAs

Working to establish Dasiqox Nexwagwez?an, a Tsilhqot’in IPCA initiative, is a journey full of twists and turns. A new term for very old relationships, Dasiqox Nexwagwez?an has its roots in the waters and lands that are cared for by Xeni Gwet’in and Yunesit’in. Yet the work of establishing an IPCA is a complex and challenging process that plays out amidst the noise and turmoil of contemporary politics and economics. How do we translate Indigenous ways of life and governance – not only in language but in stewardship practices, local economies, jurisdictional relationships – without undermining their fundamental nature? The story of Dasiqox Nexwagwez?an is one of many contemporary tales of Indigenous resurgence through IPCA initiatives, and the hard work happening behind the scenes to realize the workable, desired futures that Indigenous communities choose for themselves.