Unceded Algonquin Territory — Ottawa, ON | May 22, 2026 — Nature Canada applauds the historic announcement by the Wuikinuxv, Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Heiltsuk, Gitxaała and Gitga’at Nations, Canada, and British Columbia to establish the Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon National Marine Conservation Area Reserve / Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area on the Central Coast of British Columbia. Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm hoon is a hybrid composite place name drawn from the Indigenous languages of the partner Nations, meaning “Realm of the Salmon, Home of the Salmon”. It is pronounced Me-ah-yall-twa Ha-lee-joh-gom hOH-own.

“We are pleased to see that years of collaborative work between these nations and the federal and provincial governments has borne fruit,” says Akaash Maharaj, Director of Policy at Nature Canada. “Protecting our oceans not only benefits local coastal communities but all Canadians.”

The Central Coast of British Columbia is a core part of the Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area Network. A spectacular area of islands and steep fjords, it is home to coral and sponge reefs, kelp forests, and eelgrass beds that support salmon, whales, eulachon, herring, and other marine mammals. The area is critical to local communities who depend on healthy fisheries, a growing tourism sector and the cultural, spiritual, and economic well-being of the above-mentioned First Nations. 

National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs) safeguard fish stocks, support sustainable fishing practices, preserve long-term access to healthy waters, and provide protection and enforcement against destructive practices such as bottom trawling. By protecting critical ocean habitats while allowing for carefully managed use, NMCAs help ensure both healthy ecosystems and resilient coastal economies for generations to come. This site is being established as an NMCA Reserve and an IPCA with the same footprint and name.

Ocean conservation is vitally important and across the country, similar projects are steadily gaining community support (along with the necessary resources) to make them a reality. Nature Canada and its partners have identified a number of priority marine areas needing protection as part of Canada’s national commitments, including James Bay, the Inner Bay of Fundy and Lake Ontario.

We commend all parties for their leadership and salute Canada’s community of nature lovers whose hard work made this day possible.

Since 1939, Nature Canada has been the voice for nature. We work towards a Canada where nature is restored, thriving and an integral part of everyday life, rooted in all the decisions that shape our shared future. In all our work, we recognize Indigenous Peoples as the stewards of these lands and waters, honouring their knowledges and wisdom, and supporting their leadership in conservation and governance.

Since 1939, Nature Canada has been the voice for nature. We work towards a Canada where nature is restored, thriving and an integral part of everyday life, rooted in all the decisions that shape our shared future. In all our work, we recognize Indigenous Peoples as the stewards of these lands and waters, honouring their knowledges and wisdom, and supporting their leadership in conservation and governance.

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For more information, please contact:

Akaash Maharaj
Director of Policy
Nature Canada
media@naturecanada.ca | (416) 995-3275