Indigenous Peoples have always held important roles in protecting and stewarding the world ocean. Upholding and respecting Indigenous perspectives, voices and knowledge from around the world will be key characteristics of IMPAC5. To support and amplify the Indigenous Peoples Leadership stream at the Congress, a number of Indigenous-specific activities are being planned for all Indigenous Congress attendees by an Indigenous Working Group made up of representatives from Indigenous organizations and Nations across Canada.
The goals of Indigenous-specific activities at IMPAC5 are to:
- Highlight Indigenous Peoples and approaches to marine protection and stewardship;
- Create opportunities for Indigenous participants at IMPAC5 to network, share, and learn from one another about Indigenous marine protection approaches and initiatives worldwide; and
- Support Indigenous participants at IMPAC5 to coordinate, strategize and connect.
Indigenous IMPAC5 activities will include:
- An Indigenous caucus* and networking event on Friday, February 3rd 2023, 8:30am – 2:30pm
- An Indigenous banquet* on Tuesday, February 7th 2023, 5:00pm – 8:00pm ;
- An Indigenous networking space;
- An Indigenous safe space room that can be accessed throughout the congress; and
- A large and interactive Indigenous pavilion showcasing Indigenous marine stewardship initiatives at a local, national, and international scale.
*Registration for the Indigenous Caucus and the Indigenous Banquet is only open to IMPAC5 delegates who identify as Indigenous or represent an Indigenous Nation, government, or organisation.
For up-to-date information about the Indigenous Experience at IMPAC5, and for registration links to the Indigenous Caucus and Indigenous Banquet, please visit www.alderhill.ca/impac5.
The IMPAC5 Indigenous Working Group
The Indigenous Working Group is made up of representatives from participating Indigenous organizations and Nations including:
- Musqueam Indian Band
- Squamish Nation
- Tsleil-Waututh Nation
- Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative
- First Nations Fisheries Council of BC
- Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
- The Assembly of First Nations
- The Inuit Circumpolar Council
The Working Group meets monthly to advise on the planning and the development of activities relating to the goals listed above.