BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan

First Nations Leadership Council logos: BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, and Union of BC Indian Chiefsgrizzly bear

 

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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

 

birds eye view of a forest

 

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

 

eagle flying

 

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.

Learn more about the Vision

 

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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

 

skywards view of forest

 

With four priority pathways for climate action: 

  1. Inherent Title and Rights
  2. Capacity and Leadership
  3. Land and Water Protection
  4. 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.

Learn more about the Pathways

 

salmon in river

 

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.

Learn more about Implementation