Canada partners with First Nations, Inuit and Métis on 3 new Indigenous-led climate projects in developing countries

Press Release

From: Global Affairs Canada

Indigenous Peoples have a strong connection to the natural world, and their leadership is key in tackling climate change. That is why Canada is committed to working in true partnership with Indigenous Peoples for inclusive and collaborative climate action by supporting Indigenous-led projects and Indigenous leadership on climate resilience here at home and in the most vulnerable regions of the world.

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), in collaboration with Indigenous partners, announced $5.1 million in federal funding over 2 years to support 3 new Indigenous-led initiatives that will help build climate resilience and support climate action by Indigenous Peoples in South America, Africa and the Indo-Pacific region. These initiatives will be designed and implemented in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada and Indigenous Peoples abroad.

The new projects are as follows:

Our Collective Futures: Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Lands and Waters: The Assembly of First Nations will partner with Indigenous Peoples in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate resilience centering on the needs of Indigenous Peoples and their self-determined priorities for climate and biodiversity action. This will be done through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building to develop and implement climate solutions and will increase access to these solutions for Indigenous Peoples, in particular women and youths, who are disproportionately affected by climate change. This project builds on local efforts led by the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact.

The Indigenous Climate Action Partnership: The Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada) will aim to increase the climate resilience of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries by fostering partnerships, shared learning and mutual support in climate adaptation work and advocacy skills. The project will highlight Indigenous-led nature-based solutions through learning experiences on the land and connect Indigenous leaders around the world.

A World of Wahkohtowin: The Métis National Council will collaborate with Indigenous Peoples in Colombia and Zambia to co-create culturally relevant climate adaptation strategies that are deeply connected to the identities of the Nations and Peoples involved.  Rooted in the value of wahkohtowin— a Cree word meaning kinship and interconnectedness—this work emphasizes the importance of building respectful, reciprocal relationships across Nations. The initiative aims to reduce poverty by safeguarding the livelihoods and resources that Indigenous communities depend on while also supporting gender equality and on-site learning.

This announcement is being made during Canada’s National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and honour the rich histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as deepen our understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world.

Quotes

“The collaborative effort of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world—working together with governments and organizations—is a powerful example of how we can unite in the face of the current climate crisis. It’s a call to action for all of us to listen, learn and stand together in solidarity, respecting the rights and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in safeguarding our planet.”

– Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development)

“As First Nations, we hold inherent and Treaty rights, as well as responsibilities, to care for our lands and waters and to protect them for future generations. The Our Collective Futures project offers an exciting opportunity for First Nations and Indigenous Peoples in the Indo-Pacific region to work together and share our respective knowledge and experience in climate adaptation and mitigation, with a focus on nature-based solutions. We are excited to advance our relationship with the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) and to strengthen First Nations leadership in climate and biodiversity action through international Indigenous solidarity.”

– Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations

“Inuit have long been at the forefront of international climate efforts, well before the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. For decades, we have sounded the alarm about the rapid and unprecedented warming of the Arctic—a crisis unfolding in our homelands that now threatens the entire planet. Unless immediate and direct action is taken, the rest of the world will face what we are already experiencing. Our current reality is a warning of the global climate disruption to come.

Inuit hold essential Knowledges and proven strategies for both mitigating and adapting to climate change. Yet our leadership remains unsupported by direct and equitable access to international climate finance mechanisms. The Indigenous Climate Action Partnership offers a vital path forward, enabling Inuit to collaborate with other Indigenous climate leaders and invest in climate strategies grounded in our self-determination, leadership and intricate relationships with our lands.”

– Natan Obed, President of the Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada)

“At the heart of A World of Wahkohtowin is our understanding that we are all related. This project reflects the deep kinship that connects Indigenous Peoples across the globe. By coming together with communities in Colombia and Zambia, we are sharing knowledge, strengthening relationships and working toward climate solutions that honour who we are as Peoples. It’s about supporting each other—our lands, our livelihoods and our futures—through the spirit of wahkohtowin. In the face of a changing climate, our resilience lies in our relationships, both with one another and with Mother Earth.”

– Victoria Pruden, President of the Métis National Council

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada’s contribution to the 3 new projects announced today is $1.7 million for each project.
• These projects are funded through Canada’s $5.3-billion international climate finance commitment (2021 to 2026).
• These projects support Canada’s commitment in implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Associated links

• Partnering for Climate
• Canada’s Partnership with Indigenous Peoples on Climate
• Global Affairs Canada’s Action Plan on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples: 2021 to 2025
• Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Climate 2022 call for concept notes
• Canada announces funding for Indigenous-led climate projects and partnerships between Latin America and Canada

Contacts
Shanti Consentino
Director of Communications
Office of the Secretary of State for International Development
Shanti.Consentino@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca

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