Presentation short abstract

This paper examines how relational ecology shapes mainstream conservation in Canada. It argues that for relational ecology to go mainstream, systematic changes are needed in conservation structures (policy, processes), narratives (discourse, education), and practices (operations, metrics).

Presentation long abstract

As the momentum for Indigenous-led conservation in Canada has grown so too has the interest in a conservation practice more aligned with Indigenous approaches to land and water stewardship. The Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership has worked to support the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and transform existing protected areas to be more aligned with Indigenous knowledge systems, legal orders, and worldviews. By examining several instances in which mainstream conservation is being transformed, this paper identifies the opportunities, challenges, and tensions that arise in building a new conservation practice rooted in relational ecology. While by no means 'mainstream', we are seeing a shift in how conservation is understood. Conservation actors are instigating policy changes to support the shift and demanding tools that better acknowledge the contributions of relational ecology. This paper argues that in order for relational ecology to go mainstream, systematic changes are required in the structures (processes that shape conservation including governance), views about conservation and relationships to nature (discourse, narratives, and education), and practices (what people do with the intention of advancing conservation).