Overview

CFN-GBI hosts the Indigenous Climate Action Network (ICAN), a program that supports Indigenous leadership in climate action for diesel-dependent communities across the province.

ICAN offers funding for remote and eligible Indigenous communities to hire a full-time staff position (Climate Action Coordinator) and individual and peer networking support, including training and professional development. Climate Action Coordinator (CAC) work involves planning and implementing energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and climate change adaptation projects for their community. Some of the current projects in ICAN communities include heat pumps, building retrofits, solar, hydro, food security and energy planning.

Recognizing the complex and challenging nature of climate action work in remote Indigenous communities, the Network offers the following wrap-around supports:

• Mentorship Program (H̓áik̓álá qs W̓úw̓áx̌díy̓ax̌ qn qṇts P̓áiniyax̌): CACs are presented and matched with mentors based on background, skills, cultures and expertise relevant to their specific community projects and/or goals.
• Elder-in-Residence: ICAN has welcomed Haíɫzaqv Heiltsuk Elder Qmdmaxl Contessa Brown to offer guidance and mentorship to CACs and Network staff, help shape program design, and participate in, offer ceremony and guide in-person/virtual gatherings.
• Counselling: A number of sessions are covered with Strawberry Medicine Counselling, an Indigenous-led and operated counselling clinic, for emotional, spiritual and mental well-being guidance.

History

Since 2011, the CFN-GBI has supported eight coastal First Nations communities—Skidegate and Old Massett in Haida Gwaii, Kitasoo Xai’xais (Klemtu), Gitga’at (Hartley Bay), Nuxalk (Bella Coola), Wuikinuxv (Rivers Inlet), Heiltsuk (Bella Bella) and Metlakatla—to prepare for and adapt to the changing climate and reduce dependence on fossil fuels by developing capacity in community to complete this work.

We do this by hosting a supportive “community of practice” where local leaders and champions share with and learn from each other. Beginning in 2019, CFN-GBI enabled member Nations to hire and train Climate Action Coordinators in each community. In 2022, we expanded our Network to invite all remote First Nations communities in BC who rely on diesel power generation, formalizing a network that will grow to 25 participants by 2025.

Acknowledgments

The Indigenous Climate Action Network acknowledges the many diverse Indigenous Nations across BC each with deep and profound relationships with their territories. Relationship building and respect for Indigenous leadership is foundational to our success.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low-Carbon Innovation, BC Hydro, and Natural Resources Canada.

Join the Climate Action Network