THUNDER BAY—First Nations communities, their cultures and traditions, have always been tied closely with the land and, as such, those communities are on the front line for the impact of climate change.
Over 30 representatives from 15 First Nation communities from across Ontario gathered in Thunder Bay for a two-day meeting last week to discuss climate change policy and crucial next steps. First Nation leadership, members of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as well as Ministry of Energy were in attendance.
“For indigenous peoples, climate change is a matter of life and death,” said Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day. “First Nations have contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions yet our communities are already feeling the effects of climate change, especially remote Northern communities. We are the first ones to feel the adverse effects which impact on every single aspect of our daily life, from lack of winter roads to warmer seasons that disrupt access to fish and wildlife. Seasonal changes, extreme weather and natural disasters are affecting our community’s ability to access basic services which leaves us two steps behind the average Canadian.”
The regional meeting provided an opportunity for First Nations to learn from the work of other communities in adaptation and mitigation measures aimed at dealing with climate change. The meeting provided high level recaps from the provincial territorial organizations and First Nation representatives had the opportunity to ask questions of the provincial government during a panel session with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
“I believe that the Statement of Reconciliation, along with the 2015 Political Accord between Ontario and the Chiefs of Ontario, will enable us to finally address this terrible chapter in our current relationship,” added Regional Chief Day. “As the newly appointed chair of the national Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs Committee on the Environment, I will ensure that our voice is heard and we are equal partner at any climate change table. Climate change laws and policies in Ontario must recognize that energy policy and investments must be integrated as much as possible in climate change policy.”
At the June 8 release of the Climate Change Action Plan, Premier Wynne said that there will be an enormous cost imposed on future generations if nothing is done now to combat climate change. First Nations agree, notes a release from the Assembly of First Nations, but they also expressed frustration that the provincial government has not adequately included them in the climate change policy making process, specifically with the passing of Bill 172 legislating a cap and trade program as well as the Climate Change Action Plan.
“Today’s ambitious announcement by the provincial government is a significant step in the right direction towards combating climate change and preserving this land for future generations. However, the next step will now be to walk together and work in full partnership with First Nations,” said Regional Chief Isadore Day following the release of the plan. “First Nations live exclusively on the most vulnerable, and the most valuable lands in treaty and traditional lands—in rural and Northern regions; while 90 percent of the Ontario populations live on just 13 percent of the land in the south and in concentrated urban communities.”
“Our peoples, from the north to the south, have been suffering from the affects of global warming and pollution for many years,” noted Chief Day. “Our communities have been most affected by floods, fires, contaminated water and a loss of traditional foods. First Nations signed the Treaties to equally share the lands and resources. Now we want to work in partnership, based on the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), to ensure the lands and resources are shared for future generations.”
“I am conditionally optimistic that today’s announcement emphasizes that First Nation Traditional Ecological Knowledge will guide the provincial action plan,” continued Chief Day. “In addition, the province has pledged to include our peoples in the new carbon economy, as well as provide funding to replace dirty diesel generation with green energy micro-grids. Our First Nations must also continue to work with the province on major green energy projects that will supply power to all Ontarians. Climate change laws and policies in Ontario must recognize that energy policy and investments must be integrated as much as possible in climate change policy.”
