Justine Townsend – The Conversation

Stuckless Pond in Gros Morne National Park, N.L. Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas can complement national and provincial parks to promote conservation while also advancing reconciliation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

January 4, 2024

Canada’s Nature Agreement underscores the need for true reconciliation with Indigenous nations

Justine Townsend, University of British Columbia and Robin J. Roth, University of Guelph

Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas face significant hurdles but nevertheless remain a key way to advance reconciliation and environmental goals.

In February, the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit and the Minganie Regional County Municipality declared the Muteshekau Shipu (Magpie River) a legal person, a move that may provide greater certainty for this majestic river’s future. (Boreal River)

June 3, 2021

Rights for nature: How granting a river ‘personhood’ could help protect it

Justine Townsend, University of Guelph; Alexis Bunten; Catherine Iorns, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington, and Lindsay Borrows, University of Alberta

A recent declaration of a river as a legal person in Canada recognizes Indigenous laws and governance, and champions people as the guardians of nature.

B.C. green-lighted an exploration permit to a mining company, despite the fact that plans for a mine were rejected both federally and by the Tsilhqot’in National Government. (Garth Lenz/ Tsilhqot’in National Government)

August 6, 2019

Tsilhqot’in blockade points to failures of justice impeding reconciliation in Canada

Justine Townsend, University of Guelph; Faisal Moola, University of Guelph, and Megan Youdelis, University of Guelph

Dasiqox Tribal Park offers a powerful example of what true reconciliation can mean for Canada when Indigenous peoples and their rights are respected and upheld.

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