From friends of the wild
beyond Canada’s borders
An Open Letter of International Support for Dene K’éh Kusān
Each spring, a Blackpoll Warbler leaves the forests of the northern Andes and flies thousands of kilometres north. It is one of the millions of migratory birds heading for the boreal forests of northern British Columbia. The international border means little to the Blackpoll Warbler.
Much of the world has made a promise to protect nature. Governments around the globe have committed to protecting 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 — a target widely considered the bare minimum for keeping nature intact.
I’m writing from outside Canada to add my support of Dene K’éh Kusān, one of North America’s most significant conservation opportunities. Led by the Kaska First Nations, this proposed Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area would safeguard an extraordinary expanse of intact habitat that sustains life far beyond any single nation’s map.
I support the Kaska’s vision for protecting Dene K’éh Kusān. Some of the most ambitious conservation on Earth is being led by Indigenous communities protecting the lands they have stewarded for generations. It’s important for migratory birds, caribou herds and many other species who rely on the water and lands here. This protected area safeguards more than three million hectares of intact wilderness and is of global importance to anyone who cares about the health of at-risk species and ecosystems. Including me.
I want to join the many people around the world who believe places like this are worth keeping wild, and who are watching, and cheering, from afar.
Ben
from Boise, Idaho, USA
“I am an Idaho native and huge fisherman and I have always loved nature beyond my own state. I have a deep appreciation for preserving wild places. Future generations should be able to enjoy the same things as us and past generations.”
Luca
from Reggio Emilia, Italy
Sending support from Italy for the Kaska Nations’ vision to protect Dene K’éh Kusän. Its wildlife, forests and rivers are precious beyond borders. Please safeguard this irreplaceable wilderness and support Indigenous stewardship for generations to come.”
Mary
from Cleveland, Ohio, USA
“This protected area safeguards more than three million hectares of intact wilderness and is of global importance to anyone who cares about the health of at-risk species and ecosystems. Including me.”