Historic land agreement “will bring our people home,” says SC’IA⁄NEW Chief – The Discourse

March 16, 2022

The First Nation plans to reclaim its territory at Mary Hill and protect it through Indigenous law.

At the end of February, members from SC’IA⁄NEW First Nation, the District of Metchosin, Habitat Acquisition Trust and Pearson College UWC gathered to celebrate an historic agreement honouring Indigenous-led conservation and friendship.

Dozens came together on the territory of SC’IA⁄NEW First Nation — behind Metchosin’s district offices — to uplift the learnings, relationships and knowledge that led to this moment. After three years of work, the groups were finally able to announce their intent to create an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) on the lands now known as Mary Hill.

Lands and waters that are part of an IPCA are under the protection and stewardship of Indigenous governments and are managed through Indigenous law, governance and knowledge systems.

Read More: https://thediscourse.ca/west-shore/indigenous-protected-area-mary-hill