Indigenous vision of a sustainable-use protected area: Ya'nienhonhndeh Protected Area case study

In the Indigenous vision of a protected area in Canada, nature and culture are intrinsically linked. Conservation includes the preservation of traditional practices and land use, which requires versatility and flexibility. In 2010, the Wendat Nation initiated the Ya'nienhonhndeh protected area with Sustainable Use (PASU) project. This project combines the strict protection of an intact forest with exemplary resource use in areas altered by logging. This case study documents the vision of the Wendat Nation guiding this project. The protection of Wendat cultural and historical heritage lies at the heart of their vision. By preserving the intact forest, the Nation aims to pass down an unspoiled territory—a testament to the past and a forest as their ancestors once knew it. To ensure a win-win project for the region, the Nation adopts a pragmatic conservation approach, thereby preserving a heritage-rich territory while fostering partnerships with local stakeholders and ensuring the sustainable use of resources inside the protected area. Implementing the PASU will allow the exploration of exemplary forestry practices that align with preserving the Wendat's cultural and natural heritage. This study could inspire other Indigenous communities in their efforts to conserve their ancestral lands.