A Wildlife and Indigenous Conservation Boost Is in Place

A new conservation agreement is set to improve the protection of the northeast coast of the Yukon, Canada, a vital part of the Inuvialuit homeland since time immemorial.

“The traditional use and management of this area is central to our Inuvialuit culture, identity and values,” explains Aullaviat/Anguniarvik working group representative William Storr. “We are proud to finally establish an agreement with Canada and the Yukon that will allow us to continue to take care of the animals and sustain our culture.”

The Aullaviat/Anguniarvik Traditional Conservation Area covers 850,000 hectares or 1.8% of the Yukon’s landmass. This agreement will protect wildlife, including the Porcupine caribou herd, polar bears, and migratory birds. At the same time, traditional use will be preserved and promoted among Inuvialuit living in Aklavik and Inuvik in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Through such partnerships – including the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Inuvialuit Game Council, Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee, and Aklavik Community Corporation – Canada continues to progress toward conserving 30% of its lands and waters by 2030.