Exploring the Governance Outcomes of Social Learning through the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE) work with Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs)

Abstract

As Canada strives towards meeting Target 1 of conserving at least 17 percent of terrestrial areas and inland water, and 10 percent of coastal and marine areas by 2020, Indigenous protected and conserved areas (IPCAs) are viable options to completing Target 1. One important group doing work with IPCAs was the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE). ICE formed in 2017 to examine how Canada’s Target 1 would be met equitably and influence the development of IPCAs. They released their report in 2018 providing recommendations for governments and Indigenous Nations across Canada in implementing IPCAs. This paper examines the social learning and collaboration throughout their work and the media surrounding IPCAs currently using social learning and governance theory. This research found collective learning and a true collaborative process enabled ICE to be effective. In media a paradigm shift around Indigenous people’s importance in conservation occurred in the mainstream with more support for Indigenous led conservation and IPCAs. ICE’s collaborative learning will pave the way forward in reconciliation, equitable IPCAs and truly Indigenous-led governance.