Make positive change, the impact of the climate crisis on First Nations

On Thursday, September 30, we will be honouring the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Through the National Reconciliation Program (NRP), Save the Children Canada works alongside Indigenous communities, including the Kenora Chiefs Advisory (KCA) an alliance of independent, participating First Nations, operating since 1995.

Rodney Bruce, Wabshke Binassi Niindizhinikaaz. Biizhew (Lynx) Niindoodem, Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows) nindooji, is the team lead for the First Nations Climate Change Adapt Program (Aakozi’ma’gut Nii’maa’ma’anun) with KCA. We got the chance to speak with Rodney about how the climate crisis is impacting his community and what he sees as the solutions.

What are some of the biggest consequences of climate change for your community?

“Within my community respectively, the biggest cause for concern within Grassy Narrows has been the lack of rain this summer. The lack of rain has been connected to increased forest fire duration this season and has an impact on our water levels as well. The shallow water levels have been problematic for those who like to fish for harvest and recreation. In addition, it has also created a hazard for those who like to fish, as you might hit a reef. I’m a victim of reef hitting this summer.”

Are you worried about the future of children and youth in your community?

“Personally, it makes you value and appreciate what is around us right now; whether it be the bodies of clear water, the amount of forest and trees, the wildlife, and the clear skies, and all that is present and connected to our mother earth. However, as for future generations, it is scary to think about, as they may not have the same experiences, as I have been so lucky to have. The current projection and state of our climate is only going to continue if serious change and consideration is not made for our future.”

What does climate justice mean to you?

“Consideration, responsibility and selflessness are key. Because when we have thought about others, we tend to change our perspective for the whole collective of each other, and not for the purpose of individualism.”

What do you see as some of the solutions?

“Prioritizing our wants and needs as humans. We as humans tend to have the wrong focuses on the environment. As a result, those who are unwilling participants in these environmental conflicts are facing the most repercussion. *Cough* pipelines and oil. Again, take CONSIDERATION and RESPONSIBILITY for those in the region and or area…or most importantly MOTHER EARTH.”

What are some of the climate actions you hope to see in the future?

“Currently there is more initiative towards biodegradables and vehicle use. However, I would like to see more green within industrial factories and whatnot. Because those are the biggest contributors to climate change and damages to our ecosystems. But, I understand…baby steps.”

This week, Save the Children, in collaboration with an international team of climate researchers led by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), released new research highlighting the impacts of the climate crisis on children. The findings are published in the renowned journal Science.