Indigenous Leadership Initiative
September 23, 2020
Ottawa: Wednesday, September 23, 2020
In the speech from the throne, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the need to confront climate change and conserve 25% of lands by 2025.
Frank Brown, senior leader with the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, made the following statement:
“Indigenous-led conservation will play a central role in helping Canada achieve its nature and climate goals. Respecting this leadership will also advance reconciliation and build a more equitable and sustainable future.”
“Much of the recent progress in conserving lands—including forests and wetlands that store massive amounts of carbon—has come from Indigenous Nations. And the biggest proposals for creating new protected areas are Indigenous-led. Meanwhile, Indigenous Guardians are managing lands and conducting research on climate impacts and species restoration across the country.”
Photo credit: Ryan Dickie, Winter Hawk Studios
“These are viable solutions for addressing some of the biggest challenges of our time. Canada has already made initial investments in Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and Indigenous Guardians.”
“Now, by placing Indigenous-led conservation at the heart of its approach to protecting both nature and climate, Canada can lead the world in promoting a new model of ethical conservation—one rooted in respect, responsibility, and reconciliation.”
“We also welcome Canada’s commitment to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This step forward will help support the vital work Indigenous Nations and Canada must do together to strengthen our shared future.”
Media Contact: Sean Durkan: sean.sda.inc@rogers.com (613-851-2151)
The Indigenous Leadership Initiative is a network dedicated to supporting Indigenous Nations in honouring the cultural responsibility to lands and fostering Indigenous Nationhood. It works with dozens of First Nations to support their stewardship.
See also:
Dane Nan Yḗ Dāh Network – Kaska Dena Council
Dene Kʼéh Kusān – Always Will Be There – Kaska Dena Council
Meet the Land Guardians – The Narwhal
Dane Nan Yḗ Dāh Guardians on the Land – Land Needs Guardians
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP | 2008) – Kaska Dena Council
UNDRIP search results – Kaska Dena Council
