Canada announces funding for Indigenous-led climate projects and partnerships between Latin America and Canada

Vancouver, November 14, 2024 –  Global Affairs Canada

Indigenous Peoples have a deeply rooted relationship and interconnectedness with Mother Nature and their leadership is critical in addressing and responding to climate change. However, globally, Indigenous Peoples receive only a small percentage of international funding for climate action.

Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced funding of $12.5 million over 4 years for the Building Climate Resilience from Indigenous Perspectives project. The project is a partnership between the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) and Save the Children Canada, the National Organization of Andean and Amazonian Women of Peru (ONAMIAP) and the Continental Network of Indigenous Women of the Americas, South Region (ECMIA Sur).

The initiative aims to build climate resilience and support Indigenous-led climate action projects in Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru, which will be designed and implemented in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada.

These self-determined projects will advance nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation by strengthening climate governance in Indigenous communities, Nations, organizations and local and regional networks, as well as creating space for joint action and knowledge sharing.

Minister Hussen made the announcement on the unceded and traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations alongside Terry Teegee, Regional Chief of the BCAFN, and Lewis Archer, Director of the National Reconciliation Program, Save the Children Canada.

ONAMIAP, a local project partner and member of the ECMIA Sur, participated in the announcement virtually.

Quotes

“The spirit of ‘nothing about us without us’ is at the heart of Canada’s renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples. In addition to delivering on the government’s commitment to including Indigenous priorities in climate finance, this collaborative initiative continues to help us build Nation-to-Nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships based on respect, partnership and a recognition of rights. First Nations, Inuit and Métis leadership is critical to addressing climate change.”

-Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

“We’re honoured to be supporting this Indigenous-led climate change initiative in partnership with the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations. Indigenous Peoples in Canada are doing so much great work on climate change adaptation, and it’s inspiring to see them recognized and upheld internationally by Global Affairs Canada. This project seeks to affirm Indigenous rights and support a better, more resilient future for Indigenous children.”

– Lewis Archer, Director of the National Reconciliation Program, Save the Children Canada

“Indigenous Peoples have been guardians of the land and water since time immemorial yet are often on the front lines of climate impacts. Their knowledge is invaluable in addressing the climate crisis. Canada is listening to and standing with Indigenous communities across continents to protect the land and build resilience in communities. This partnership is a testament to the leadership of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in tackling global challenges.”

–  Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services

“Humanity is witnessing the devasting and escalating impacts of climate change. As climate leaders and land defenders, Indigenous Peoples hold ancestral knowledge and inherent rights and responsibilities that guide us to protect our territories for the continuity of life. BCAFN is honoured to be part of this innovative project and work with the Government of Canada, Save the Children and ONAMIAP to bring together Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia and Canada and our Indigenous brothers and sisters in Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru. This project is a unique opportunity for Indigenous Peoples to weave bridges, build partnerships and share our knowledge and experiences to take action for future generations collectively.”

– Terry Teegee, Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations

“The territory belongs to all of us, which is why we Indigenous women want to strengthen our own knowledge, forms of territorial management, our own economies and ways of life in harmony, reciprocity and balance with Mother Nature in a context of climate crisis. This project offers an opportunity to face climate change by revitalizing and implementing our ancestral knowledge, sciences and technologies and by strengthening the exchange of experiences among peoples for the protection of Mother Nature. This climate fight is for Mother Nature and the lives that are in Her, where all of us must participate and guarantee the transmission of knowledge among girls, boys, young people and wise men and women. Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru are committed to this.”

[Same quote as above but in Quechua] “Ñaupa runapa willkankunan kanchik, yachaykunata yachachiwarqanchik kawsananchipaq, chaynallataq unanchanchik pachamamata chaynallataq kallpanchanchik llachayninchikta. Willakuspa Ñaupa llachayninchikunata, ruwayninchikuta warmakunaman. Chaynallataq kunanqa llachayninchikuna, ruwayninchikuna qipanchasqa kachkan, tukuyta munanku kamachikuq runakuna mana qellqasqa kaptin; aswan munasqanta ruwanku yachayninchikwan qullqirayku mana dirichunchikta kallpanchankuchu, astawan qullqirayku rantirukunku kamachikuqkuna, mana llaqtanchik ukumanta runakuna pachamamata chiqnin.”

– Melania Canales Poma, ECMIA Sur Coordinator and ONAMIAP Advisory Board Member 

Quick Facts