Pooley Island is in the traditional territory of the Kitasoo/Xai'Xais First Nation, for whom it holds important cultural and fisheries values. The Pooley Conservancy, comprising over 3000 hectares on the northeast part of the island, was created in 2006 and is co-managed by BC Parks and the Kitasoo/Xai'Xais First Nation. The Conservancy includes James Bay and Windy Bay, both of which have long been used by boaters as anchorages.[3]