The purpose of an IPCA Introductory Retreat is to build capacity, mobilize knowledge, and facilitate collaborations for the conservation of biocultural diversity. These retreats take place over two full days and are hosted at the IISAAK OLAM Foundation’s Peace and Friendship Centre, on the traditional territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations in Victoria, BC. Retreats include facilitated workshops to explore intersections between biological diversity/ecological wellbeing and cultural diversity/human wellbeing. To do so, sessions examine case studies of Indigenous-led conservation in practice, including Tribal Parks and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). These explorations will include reflections on the original Peace and Friendship Treaties between Indigenous Peoples and newcomers to deepen understanding of reconciliation, both among human societies and between humanity and the environment.

IPCA Introductory Retreats are suitable for diverse audiences involved in promoting Indigenous-led conservation, including Indigenous Peoples, governments, and organizations; conservation organizations; eco-entrepreneurs; government agencies at all levels; and university students/field courses. In order to facilitate an intimate and comfortable learning environment, attendee capacity for the Introductory Retreats will be capped at 10-15 people. However, evening social gatherings during these retreats will be open to a maximum of 50 people from all backgrounds in community-based work.