The Assembly of First Nations hosted its 4th National Climate Gathering October 5-8 in Hamilton, Ontario, under the theme “Strengthening First Nations Climate Leadership: Braiding Relationships, Knowledge Systems and Inherent Responsibilities.”
The event brought together experts, community leaders and youth to showcase First Nations’ approaches to climate action. AFN’s biennial gatherings stem from a 2019 resolution declaring a First Nations climate emergency.
In her keynote speech, AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak criticized the federal government’s proposed First Nations Clean Water Act for “weak source water protection” and failing to clearly designate rights to clean water. Six Nations of the Grand River shared ongoing issues with water insecurity, with over half of on-reserve members unserved even when its treatment plant is working.
“The same [themes] kept coming back: power, control, jurisdiction and education,” noted Sha’tekayèn:ton Andrew Brant of One Dish One Spoon, who presented about self-determination in Indigenous food systems, responsibilities and relationships.
Workshops discussed differences between consultation and Indigenous jurisdiction. Some said that institutions acknowledge Indigenous rights while continuing to control resources, authority and decision-making processes.
“If we’re not in the room, we’re on the menu,” said Lynn Konwaia’tanón:we’s Jacobs. Her research team at McGill University works with the AFN to address barriers to Indigenous participation in plastics governance.
A day before the assembly began, a gathering for youth delegates discussed youth-driven solutions. Cree Nation Youth Council Grand Chief Jade Mukash talked about the importance of young leaders in driving sustainable change, protecting lands and shaping climate policy.
“We all have different realities but a lot of the same experiences and ideas for the future,” Mukash told the Nation. “One of the things I connected with the most were youth grassroots groups doing activism in land protection. Seeing youth stand up for what they believe in and making sure their voices are heard by their leadership is definitely relevant to Eeyou Istchee.”
Youth reflected on how climate change has impacted their communities and discussed emerging concerns, such as massive electricity and water consumption used by generative AI technology. Mukash recalled going to her family’s spring camp near Whapmagoostui as a child, which at that time took three hours by skidoo.
“Nowadays, because the ice has changed so much in our lifetime, we have to take a plane instead,” said Mukash. “The youth are expected to come up with all the solutions, but we were born into the system. I feel that the youth are kind of waiting for somebody to step in with that climate action leadership.”
Mukash was asked to join a second panel for a breakout session during the main gathering. This was a promising step for the CNYC’s relationship with the AFN National Youth Council, following its attendance at the AFN’s annual general assembly in July.
“We wanted to better understand national-level challenges they have but they had a lot of questions for us,” Mukash explained. “We’re one of the longest standing youth councils across Canada, very far ahead in the work we do and the way we’re established. It’s something youth across Canada have recognized us for and want to learn from.”
Mukash gained a fresh perspective on climate issues and motivation to advance land-based initiatives, such as bringing back the CNYC’s regional canoe brigade and winter gathering. The CNYC has been invited to the AFN’s natural resources forum in Montreal this February.
“It was an amazing experience, helping open your eyes to realities across Canada and realize we’re not alone,” said Mukash. “We’re stronger when we work together. There will be a time for the youth to come together to speak about the land and water protection and also acknowledge the changes we’ve had.”
Others at the gathering included Ouje-Bougoumou youth delegates Terrilyn Gull and Serena Bosum-Longchap. With delegates travelling from as far as the Yukon, Gull was surprised that they seemed to be the only representatives from Quebec.
As a member of Ouje’s youth council and local representative for the Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association, Gull went there for the “eye-opening” experience and to bring climate change awareness back home.
“I learned the youth wanted more traditional teachings about the land and how to protect it,” said Gull. “In Ouje, we have a fish pond where we release speckled (trout) every year. There’s a land-based camp in Ouje that will be up and running soon. What I’ve learned, I can bring it back to these sectors.”
Gull joined presentations about solar panel installation, women’s leadership and restoration efforts in flooding or forest fire zones. She was inspired by two young men from Attawapiskat who had formed a committee with different communities to bring awareness about water protection.
“We need awareness targeting youth,” Gull asserted. “Growing up, I didn’t really understand why the Earth was heating up and the winters were shorter. Serena helped me understand when I didn’t. She’s interested in testing water while youth are out for the canoe brigade.”
As part of Bosum-Longchap’s biology honours thesis at Carleton University, she is helping create an Indigenous youth-led water monitoring program for her community. Participants will learn about local freshwater sites while using monitoring equipment to measure water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and turbidity.
A youth call to action denounced federal legislation that fast-tracks infrastructure projects while rolling back environmental protections. It stated: “We are done waiting as decisions are made about our rights, our futures, and what is not ours to sell.”