NationTalk: (Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George BC) As leaders, delegates, and Indigenous peoples from around the world gather for the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, First Nations Knowledge Keepers from across BC are sending a strong message: The climate crisis is a symptom of a broader problem rooted in the disconnection of people and nature resulting in ecological imbalance, destruction, and ongoing injustice. Urgent action is needed to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies through restoring balance and reciprocal relationships between all people and Mother Earth. Guided by Indigenous Ecological Knowledge, this transformative approach will ensure a thriving future for generations to come.
This past month, our Knowledge Keepers gathered in ceremony on Tsleil Waututh Territory to discuss the roots of climate change, its impacts on the Land and all living beings, as well as solutions and responsibilities. “We know that ceremony and spiritual teachings are essential to heal our people from the destructive legacy of colonialism and restore the balance and deepen our relationship with Mother Earth,” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the BC Assembly of First Nations. “World leaders and Canada need to listen to Indigenous peoples. Canada and countries around the world continue to fail to meet our climate commitments. The United Nations’ 2023 Emissions Gap Report stated that Mother Earth is on track to warm by 2.5 to 2.9 degrees Celsius, and the Environment Commissioner found that Canada is the only G7 country not to reduce its emissions since 1990,” he continued.
Dr. Robert Joseph, BCAFN Knowledge Keeper, highlighted the shortcomings of modern, western approaches to addressing climate change. “As the world keeps edging into the path of destruction, it has become clearer to me that Indigenous knowledge must now be a part of the equation in mitigating irreversible destruction,” he said. “Modern science cannot do it alone because it has no conscience and is indeed the origin of unimaginable force and power that reaps the whirlwind when not managed properly. Solving this crisis doesn’t start in science, it starts in our hearts. Relationship building and taking responsibility are needed. Our ancestors knew how to be in a relationship with Mother Earth. They had their ways of doing that, and we must bring that forward,” he continued.
Approaching climate action from the heart and traditional teachings is critical to standing up for our lands, culture, way of life and future survival. First Nations are at the forefront, leading by revitalizing traditional laws and practices to address climate change. “We have a community forest where we’re bringing back fire as a tool for wildlife, elk and moose are coming back to these locations,” said Kukpi7 Fred Robbins, Esk’etemc First Nation. “Our spiritual and cultural people are helping protect our Territory. We are doing everything in our power to fix and heal our land and community, and we are succeeding – but we need others to follow our lead,” he addressed.
First Nations throughout BC and Canada, and Indigenous Peoples around the world, continue to heal from the impacts and trauma caused by colonialism and are adapting to climate change through the revitalization of culture, ceremony, natural laws, governance systems and languages. Knowledge Keepers recognize that building relationships between First Nations and non-Indigenous communities and decision-makers is an essential aspect of healing.
“Our teachings focus on relationships. Relationships between people, but also relationships between ourselves and the whole of creation,” said Chief Darrell Bob, Xaxli’p First Nation. “The government is divided into siloes, and we need to break down those divisions and re-establish relationships. Mother Earth is not divided – she connects us all; what we do to one, we do to all; what impacts one, impacts all. To address climate change, we need to come together, intertwined.” he continued.
“It is clear that the solutions to the climate crisis are held by our Elders and Knowledge Keepers,” continued Regional Chief Teegee. “This existential threat to humanity is part of the sickness of our societies; as our Indigenous cultures heal from the trauma of colonialism and capitalism, we will show each other and our neighbours how to heal, to stand together, lift each other up, be hopeful and bring balance back to our lands and communities.”
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Annette Schroeter, Communications Officer, cell phone (778)281-1655.