In recent years, Canada has increasingly faced severe impacts of climate change, including higher temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Climate change has already impacted First Nations, Inuit and Métis livelihoods, culture, social relations, food security, health, well-being and ways of life. Despite experiencing disproportionate impacts to climate change, Indigenous Peoples have been actively responding to environmental change since time immemorial and have developed Indigenous Knowledge Systems to respond to it. For Canada to reduce some of the worst impacts of the climate crisis it currently faces, Indigenous Knowledge Systems need to be considered.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced the release of the For Our Future: Indigenous Resilience Report, the first Indigenous-led report that draws on Indigenous knowledge, perspectives and experiences to explore multidimensional and intersecting aspects of climate change impacts and adaptation. The report is part of Canada in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action, Canada's National Knowledge Assessment of how and why Canada's climate is changing, the impacts of these changes and how we are adapting. This report highlights the unique strengths and challenges of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in responding to climate change; the importance of the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in all levels of climate action; that climate change is one of the many crises that First Nations, Inuit and Métis face; and how Indigenous-led climate action is critical for self-determination. This report paints an urgent picture of the impact that climate change has on Indigenous Peoples. It presents a starting point for meaningful dialogue and action that must continue into the future to avoid further loss of life and culture.
The report's five broad key messages draw from a set of 12 key principles grounded in the teachings of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Elders and Knowledge Holders and reflect a diversity of Indigenous nations, cultures and languages in Canada. The report recognizes, highlights and elevates Indigenous knowledge, rights, expertise, issues, perspectives and experiences concerning climate change and its impacts within Canada. The report emphasizes how climate change is a continual and pervasive threat that will only exacerbate other challenges Indigenous communities face, such as environmental issues and the ongoing legacy of colonization.
A webinar will follow on May 15, 2024, to hear directly from the authors about how climate change is affecting Indigenous communities and to learn about the approaches First Nations, Inuit and Métis are taking to drive climate action at local, regional, national and international levels. Please access the link to register for the webinar, taking place from 13:30 to 15:00 p.m. ET.
