Ross River Dena Council and Canadian Governments Sign Historic Agreement

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On December 6, the Ross River Dena Council signed an agreement with the Government of Yukon and Parks Canada that will pave the way for the establishment of a national park reserve and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) within the Ross River region. The National Audubon Society applauds this important step towards protecting over 10 million acres (41,000 k2) of Boreal land in Canada’s Yukon Territory.

Dr. Jeff Wells, Audubon’s vice president of boreal conservation, said, “So many birds migrate to this region each year for its safety and abundance. Some will breed and raise their young here, and others will use it as a stopover site to rest and refuel on their way further north—birds like Blackpoll Warblers, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Golden-crowned Sparrows, and Upland Sandpipers to name a few. Protecting this vast landscape is vitally important for the survival of numerous bird species as well as the countless other wildlife that live and rely on the region.”

Chief Dylan Loblaw of the Ross River Dena Council said in a statement, “Ross River Dena Council is pleased to be advancing efforts to finalize our IPCA Declaration within our Ross River Area. This Declaration is issued pursuant to our Indigenous laws, and will help ensure our rights, interests and values are properly respected in this important area. Our IPCA area also contains sacred areas, sensitive cultural areas and critical wildlife habitat and important sensitive ecosystems, whose protection will benefit both our members and the broader public.”

The Ross River region of the Yukon is considered crucial to maintaining and growing healthy bird populations throughout the hemisphere. Audubon recognizes that the leadership and stewardship of the Indigenous governments who have lived on these lands for millennia represents the only way to move forward with properly protect this magnificent region.