Partnering with Aboriginal Communities

This on-line resource features 25 case-studies that document innovative collaborations between aboriginal communities, organizations, and parks agencies. It describes how these partnerships in parks and other protected areas have led to substantial benefits in terms of biodiversity and cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and even economic gains.

This report provides a five year plan for investment in Indigenous land and sea management across the [Northern Territory]. It provides advice to government agencies on both coordinating current investment and delivering new investment in this area. It also provides a possible framework for attracting additional business and philanthropic investment in this area. An independent review of the Strategic Framework by a financial consultant has found that it has the potential to deliver more efficient and cost-effective land and sea management on Indigenous lands and, through a multiplier effect, deliver substantial economic, educational and cultural benefits more broadly to Indigenous communities.

Parks Canada has come a long way over the past 30 years in terms of working in a positive and respectful manner with Aboriginal peoples. This change has been driven in part by legal precedents, but more importantly by the desire of Parks Canada and Aboriginal peoples to work together toward common goals. Our system of national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas will only grow with the support of Aboriginal peoples, and a significant portion of the existing national park land base is in place due to their strong cooperation, support, and contribution.