IPCA stands for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area. IPCAs came from Canada Target 1 which is Canada’s goal to conserve 30% of land by 2030. IPCAs are a mechanism to help meet Canada Target 1 as it has been recognized that Indigenous communities do a far better job at preserving land than any governmental conservation program. See the following video for more information on IPCAs.

In the report, "We Rise Together" by the Indigenous Circle of Experts, the following expectations of IPCAs are:

1) IPCAs are Indigenous-led

2) IPCAs represent a long-term commitment to conservation, and

3) IPCAs elevate Indigenous Rights and Responsibilities.

Proposed Xáxli’p Ecological and Cultural Protected Area

As stated in the Declaration of the Lillooet Tribe (1911), "We claim that we are the rightful owners of our tribal territory, and everything pertaining thereto. We have always lived in our country; at no time have we ever deserted it, or left it to others. We have retained it from the cost of our blood..."

Our Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) will be called Szúhmin̓s ta Xaxli'púlmexwa which means "to take care of, or protect Xaxli'p Territory." Additionally, it will be refered to as the Xáxli'p Ecological and Cultural Protected Area instead of IPCA.

Szúhmin̓s ta Xaxli'púlmexwa, the Xáxli'p Ecological and Cultural Protected Area, will be overseen by a working Group of Xaxli’p Experts, Knowledge Keepers and Elders, the Ntsuwa7lhkálha t’lákmen (our way of life) Traditional Use Study and the Xaxli’p Ecosystem Based Plan. Community information sessions and engagement will take place.