Recognizing the important roles that Indigenous Peoples have always held in protecting and stewarding nature, IMPAC5 embraces the need to heed Indigenous perspectives, voices and knowledge from around the world;learn from the diverse cultural practices, knowledge and ways of knowing; and respect rights. As active members of the IMPAC5 planning committee, the Host First Nations and other Indigenous organizations play a key role in shaping the design, delivery and outcomes of the Congress.
Priority areas of discussion
- Respecting the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and reconciliation in ocean governance
- Recognizing Indigenous People’s leadership in ocean conservation
- Showcasing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas
- Incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing
- Enhancing regional, national and international networking
- Strengthening capacity of Indigenous communities
- Understanding connections between art, culture and ocean
