Kitasoo / Xai’xais

June 22, 2022

Kitasoo Xai’xais Declaration of Gitdisdzu Lugyeks (Kitasu Bay) Marine Protected Area

On Tuesday, June 21 the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation made a Declaration of a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Gitdisdzu Lugyeks, commonly known as Kitasu Bay. The Nation also released a draft Management Plan for this MPA.

Made by the Hereditary Chiefs of the Kitasoo Xai’xais and supported by Kitasoo Xai’xais elected Chief and Council, the Kitasu Bay MPA Declaration is in accordance with Kitasoo Xai’xais laws, customs, principles, and values, and as the holders of inherent and Aboriginal Title and Rights on our unceded territorial lands and waters.

By establishing Gitdisdzu Lugyeks as an MPA, our Nation is taking an important step toward advancing Indigenous-led conservation. We are reinvigorating our traditional management systems and exercising our inherent and Aboriginal rights, responsibilities, and obligations to steward and manage the territory and resources for current and future generations.

Accompanying the MPA Declaration is a draft Management Plan, which will inform how we will govern and manage the waters and marine resources of Kitasu Bay. The plan outlines the activities that are allowed in the MPA, and which activities are prohibited or restricted. It also outlines the value of the area and why the Nation is protecting it.

To view the draft Management Plan and Declaration, click here.