Indigenous leaders from around the world came together today in New York City for the 22nd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Leadership gathered as part of an ongoing international dialogue on Indigenous rights and Indigenous Peoples' contributions addressing the most pressing and urgent global issues, including climate change. The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, led Canada's delegation to UNPFII, accompanied by a delegation that included Indigenous youth and Elders, and representatives from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.
This year's session, "Indigenous Peoples, human health, planetary and territorial health and climate change: a rights-based approach," provided a timely opportunity to amplify the voices of Indigenous youth and climate leaders while highlighting climate action rooted in Indigenous knowledge, rights, customs, and legal traditions.
To emphasize the important contributions of Indigenous youth to climate leadership, Minister Vandal hosted a side event with young Indigenous climate leaders from British Colombia, Yukon and Nunavut, where they shared the important work taking place in their respective communities, such as the Yukon First Nations Climate Action Fellowship's Reconnection Vision and Action Plan and the work of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami's National Inuit Youth Council.
Indigenous Peoples have always been strong, responsible stewards of the land, air and water and are uniquely positioned to lead the way using Indigenous knowledge systems and science. They are already leading the way toward a more climate-resilient future through climate monitoring, adaptation solutions, and the transition to clean energy. Canada recognizes that Indigenous climate leadership must be the cornerstone of our domestic response to climate change, and that more must be done to support Indigenous Peoples who continue to play this role.
The Government of Canada has committed to co-developing an Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda, including distinctions-based strategies for self-determined climate action. The Agenda will help to set the long-term vision for Canada's partnership with Indigenous Peoples on climate, in a way that respects rights, ensures access to predictable and equitable funding, and supports collaborative decision-making on climate change.
Canada will continue to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments, representative organizations, and communities to convene conversations, workshops, and gatherings to discuss their visions for climate leadership.
The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing Indigenous climate leadership, encouraging increased Indigenous participation in United Nations forums, and supporting Indigenous communities as they work toward their climate goals.
