Supporting Indigenous climate leadership and co-developing solutions to address climate change in First Nations' communities is central to advancing reconciliation and self-determination. Today, the Assembly of First Nations and the Government of Canada released the fifth Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Climate Action. The Joint Committee on Climate Action's efforts are rooted in partnership and the meaningful recognition of First Nations' governance, rights, and leadership.
The Report documents the positive steps that First Nations and the federal government took last year to achieve a stronger climate partnership.
In addition to measures to meaningfully improve its internal activities, the Joint Committee on Climate Action accelerated First Nations' full and effective participation in clean growth and climate change programs, including the National Adaptation Strategy. The Joint Committee on Climate Action also advanced the development of a First Nations Climate Leadership Agenda through comprehensive dialogue with First Nations' leaders from across the country. The Joint Committee on Climate Action monitored and evaluated the progress of priorities to ensure the continued full and effective participation of First Nations in climate change programs and policy decisions.
The Joint Committee on Climate Action commits to holding discussions and making progress on five priorities in 2023:
- Reviewing federal clean growth and climate change policy and programs through the First Nations Climate Lens.
- Empowering First Nations' leadership in climate action.
- Fostering greater transparency, accountability, and communication in Joint Committee on Climate Action activities.
- Continuing to develop First Nations-specific indicators/criteria to report on the implementation of climate-related federal funding programs and outcomes for First Nations.
- Deepening the intergenerational and intersectional dialogue on climate change in all activities.
The Joint Committee on Climate Action acknowledges the need to include Indigenous knowledge systems, uphold the minimum standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (including the right to free, prior, and informed consent), and include the voices of youth, women, Elders, and participants from every region.
