Northern Premiers issue Pan-Northern Statement on Climate Change
Press Release
May 9, 2022
Today, Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories, along with Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, and Indigenous Leaders from across the North issued the first Pan-Northern Leaders’ Statement on Climate Change.
Canada’s North is warming up three to four times faster than the global average and northern communities are seeing these impacts first-hand. While all three territories continue to do their part to reduce emissions and transition to a lower carbon economy, the joint statement recognizes that collaboration is needed to address the unique impacts of climate change in Canada’s North
The statement calls for federal attention, support, and investment in seven key areas including climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable and alternative secure energy systems, emergency preparedness, Northern research, knowledge and capacity building, supporting health and wellness, preservation of cultural identity and economic opportunities.
Northern residents are profoundly affected by climate change. The statement issued today by Northern Premiers and endorsed by eleven NWT Indigenous leaders and Indigenous leaders from across the North, underscores the need to address the threats that climate change poses to the sustainability of our communities and the health and safety of our residents.
Northern Leaders’ also call for the federal government to recognize the importance of reconciliation through climate change actions by supporting Indigenous-led approaches, including Indigenous governments in decision-making, and the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge wherever possible.
Quote(s)
“Northern leaders know that our voices can get lost in the national conversation. That’s why it is so important for us to speak with regional unity and clarity—to ensure that Northern and Indigenous concerns, and solutions—are given the weight they deserve.
“The Pan-Northern Leaders’ Statement on Climate Change is a united call for strategic investments in climate change adaptation and clean energy throughout Canada’s North that will help achieve our shared goals to reduce emissions, strengthen the resilience of our communities, and grow a sustainable economy.”
– Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories
Quick facts
- The Pan-Northern Leaders’ Statement on Climate Change identifies seven key areas for increased attention:
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Renewable and alternative secure energy systems
- Emergency preparedness
- Northern research, knowledge, and capacity building
- Supporting health and wellness
- Preservation of cultural identity
- Economic and leadership opportunities
- The call has been endorsed by the following members of the Northwest Territories Council of Leaders:
- Acho Dene Koe First Nation
- Dehcho First Nations
- Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government
- Gwich’in Tribal Council
- Kátł’odeeche First Nation
- Nahanni Butte Dene Band
- North Slave Métis Alliance
- Northwest Territories Métis Nation
- Sahtú Secretariat Incorporated
- Salt River First Nation
- Tłı̨chǫ Government
- Premiers of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon will be available to answer questions about the statement at the conclusion of the Northern Premier’s Forum at 3:15 pm on Monday, May 9, 2022.
- Media contacts are provided below for each signatory of the Northwest Territories
- that has endorsed the Pan-Northern Leaders’ Statement on Climate Change.
Related links
For more information, contact:
Todd Sasaki
Manager
Public Affairs and Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
867-767-9168 ext. 15015
Boyd Clark
Advisor/Band Manager (Acting)
Acho Dene Koe First Nation
306-681-5171
Alison dePelham
Executive Director
Dehcho First Nations
867-695-2355
Paulina Roche
Chief Executive Officer
Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government
867-589-8100, ext. 106
Tom Weegar
Chief Executive Officer
Gwich’in Tribal Council
867-777-7900
Gary Yablonski
Chief Executive Officer
Kátł’odeeche First Nation
867-874-6701
Soham Srimani
Band Manager
Nahanni Butte Dene Band
867-446-1248
Marc Whitford
Vice-President
North Slave Métis Alliance
867-873-6762, ext. 1007
Ursula Vogt
Executive Director
Northwest Territory Métis Nation
867-872-2770, ext. 24
Orlena Modeste
Executive Director
Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated
867-589-4719
Elizabeth Westwell
Chief Executive Officer
Salt River First Nation
867-872-2986, ext. 1009
Laura Duncan
Tłı̨chǫ Executive Officer
Tłı̨chǫ Government
867-392-6381
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