Otipemisiwak Métis Government Remains Committed to Métis-led Indigenous Conservation Areas
Posted on: Oct 20, 2025
Over the past six years, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has been advancing the establishment of a network of Métis-led Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). These lands were acquired through private land sales, as part of a competitive process that any Indigenous nation was able to participate in. These areas provide a space where Métis Citizens, and all people can enjoy the conserved landscape for generations to come.
Prior to being acquired, these properties had limited protection under municipal and provincial laws and were vulnerable to development and disturbance. Through their designation as IPCAs, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has committed to conserving these lands to protect native plants, animals, and their habitats. All while increasing opportunities for public access and sharing our culture.
Métis-led IPCAs are more than protected spaces – they are areas of Métis stewardship. Through IPCAs, Métis within Alberta take full responsibility for caring for and protecting these landscapes, maintaining ecological protection, education and outreach, relationship building, healing the land, and accessibility for Citizen involvement.
We are pleased to share that we have already seen success at Muskoseya Ispikaa’pawew, our first Métis-led IPCA located in Lamont County. At this 158-acre site, which was also privately owned, we have completed baseline monitoring activities to examine the presence of species and the health of their habitats, completed property maintenance to repair infrastructure, managed invasive species and have cleaned up waste, launched monitoring projects focused on species at risk, started developing a seedbank of native wildflower seeds for restoration, and installed new infrastructure to improve habitat and support education, community gatherings, and stewardship activities. This work has laid a strong foundation for ongoing land stewardship that can be replicated at future IPCAs.
We welcome all Indigenous Partners, including the Blackfoot Confederacy, to engage with us in meaningful dialogue to explore opportunities for collaboration shared stewardship of these spaces. During a time when many native species and habitats across Alberta have been lost, we should be working together to care for the land; not working against each other.
Please see the links below for more information on IPCA’s under the care of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
New IPCA Properties
IPCA Storymap
Lethbridge
Drumheller
Strathcona County
Pilot IPCA, Muskoseya Ispikaa’pawew
IPCA Storymap
Youtube Video
Media Contact:
Kenny Trenton, Press Secretary
Otipemisiwak Métis Government