The Indigenous Climate Action Network (ICAN), a program of CFN that supports Indigenous leadership in climate action across BC, held its Annual Gathering in Prince Rupert, the territory of the Sm’algya̱x speaking people, from June 8–12, 2026.
Hosted jointly by the Gitga’at, Gitxaała and Metlakatla First Nations, the Gathering brought together Climate Action Coordinators (CACs) from 10 communities, ICAN’s Elder-in-Residence, Qmdmaxl Contessa Brown, and six other ICAN staff for a week of cultural activities, field visits, training and knowledge sharing.
The week began with a memorable visit to the Pacific Whale Society on Gil Island, a five-hour boat ride from Prince Rupert, where former Gitga’at CAC, Hermann Meuter, spoke to the group about the Society’s land-based whale research and monitoring work.
With food security a priority for several member communities, ICAN staff and CACs travelled to Kitkatla to tour Gitxaała Nation’s greenhouse and community gardens, visited the Yaga hydroponics facility in Prince Rupert, and learned about Metlakatla First Nation’s work on seaweed cultivation.
The group also toured the Museum of Northern British Columbia in Prince Rupert, where they learned about Ts’msyen cultural practices and participated in a reenactment of a traditional Ts’msyen feast performed by local youth. The week concluded with a leadership dinner attended by Elders from the host Nations.
The ICAN team would like to extend their sincere gratitude to CACs Hayden Keating (Gitga’at First Nation), Kim Spencer (Gitxaała Nation), and Colleen Lenart (Metlakatla First Nation) for their hard work and support with organizing the Gathering and welcoming ICAN to their home communities.
