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Amplifying First Nations voices as the first peoples and caretakers of these lands
The First Nations Leadership Council, as mandated by and in collaboration with First Nations in BC, developed the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan in 2022.
The Strategy amplifies First Nation voices as the original caretakers of these lands, communicates priorities in climate planning, and works collaboratively to ensure the protection and stability of the Earth.
Read the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan
Indigenous Peoples and our traditional territories are disproportionately affected by climate change
We are experiencing a global climate emergency.
The changing climate impacts the lands, waters, natural habitats, and ecosystems that sustain all of us.
Climate actions cannot be isolated from other priority issues of First Nations' cultural survival, self-determination, self-governance, and place-based economic autonomy.
Learn more about why we made this Strategy
A First Nations vision to lead the response to the climate crisis
We, the first peoples of these lands, assert our inherent Title, Rights, and jurisdiction to lead the response to the climate crisis.
We exercise our knowledge, laws, and processes in our self-determined ways to care for the Earth and ensure health and stability for generations to come.
Guided by principles of self-determination, culture, guardianship, collaboration, and empowerment
Self-Determination and Self-Government
- Respect and recognize First Nations’ inherent jurisdiction over their traditional territories
- And their right to self-determination and self-government in climate action
Culture and Tradition
- Protect First Nations culture, values, and identity
- Including the knowledge, laws, and languages of each individual Nation
- As an essential element of responding to the climate emergency
Guardianship and Stewardship
- Exercise reciprocity, restoration, and collaboration with the lands, waters, and environment
- In maintaining ecosystem health and stability for generations to come
Collaboration and Partnership
- Develop true collaboration and partnerships between First Nations and Crown governments, the private sector, organizations, and society as a whole
- To effectively address the climate emergency
Empowerment, Leadership and Self-Sufficiency
- Build capacity and self-sufficiency within First Nations communities to strengthen resiliency
- While also preparing and empowering the future generations for projected climate impacts
Learn more about the Guiding Principles
With four priority pathways for climate action:
- Inherent Title and Rights
- Capacity and Leadership
- Land and Water Protection
- Climate Response and Preparedness
Inherent Title and Rights
Ensure First Nations’ Title, Rights, and Treaty Rights in BC are recognized and affirmed in climate planning and response.
Capacity and Leadership
Ensure First Nations in BC are empowered and prepared with the capacity and tools needed to effectively lead the response to the climate crisis both now and in the future.
Land and Water Protection
Ensure the health, stability, and resiliency of the land, waters, and environment for generations to come.
Climate Response and Preparedness
Ensure First Nations in BC are effectively responding to the climate emergency and current and projected climate impacts by working to reduce GHG emissions and developing their own self-determined initiatives grounded in community-specific priorities.
A foundation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and communities to work together to respond to the current climate crisis
Implementation of the Strategy will require further discussions, collaboration, and the development of meaningful and true partnerships.