Overview

As climate change progresses, its impacts are disproportionately felt by First Nations communities and Indigenous peoples across BC. First Nations have cultivated a deep connection to their lands since time immemorial, demonstrating sustainable stewardship and unique land-based knowledge. This history has positioned First Nations as leaders in climate action and sustainability, with rights to be respected and uplifted in support of climate resilience. At the same time, the impacts of colonialism create conditions where communities require additional support to enhance their capacity for local climate resilience.

Resources

Coastal First Nations has developed the following trainings and resources to support and strengthen First Nations climate action leadership. Check back regularly, as we will post new resources here.

First Nations Climate Resilience Course

Coming Soon! An online, free and interactive course open to all though designed specifically to support First Nations communities and individuals in BC. The Course helps learners move from understanding to action in climate adaptation, grounded in First Nations rights, title, values and worldviews.

First Nations Climate Action Network Map

A tool for First Nations communities and coordinators to identify and connect with potential partners, organizations and communities working on similar climate resilience priorities. The Network Map helps create and strengthen connections between First Nations working on climate resilience and supports us in building off one another’s work. It includes resources, trainings and case studies to inspire and empower First Nations leadership in climate action.

Training Scan

A scan of educational resources, toolkits, and training programs available to First Nations communities and coordinators to support their climate resilience knowledge and capacity development.

History and Partnership

In 2022, the Government of British Columbia published the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy (CPAS) which outlined actions to address the impacts of climate change and build resilience across the province. This strategy emphasized a need to advance Indigenous-led climate adaptation. Through engagement with First Nations communities and the Indigenous Climate Adaptation Working Group (ICAWG), the need to fund capacity-building initiatives in First Nations communities was identified. Addressing this gap the Climate Action Secretariat (CAS) put out a call for a $2.25M pilot project to build capacity in First Nations communities and organizations for climate resilience planning and project implementation. The Indigenous Climate Resilience Capacity Pilot program (later named the Resilience Climate Action Network) was awarded to CFN-GBI and the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS), two Indigenous-led organizations with complementary expertise in leading province-wide initiatives.

The Resilience Climate Action Network (RCAN) was a province-wide network that supported First Nations capacity to protect their communities, territories, culture, health and wellbeing from the impacts of climate change. The program hired and supported the capacity development of Regional Climate Resilience Coordinators to support First Nations communities across BC, developed training and resources to strengthen First Nations climate resilience, and established a province-wide network to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.

Acknowledgements

Coastal First Nations acknowledges the many diverse First Nations peoples across BC, each with deep and profound relationships with their territories. Relationship building and respect for First Nations leadership and Indigenous peoples is foundational to our success.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Energy and Climate Change Solutions.

Coastal First Nations also acknowledges and gives thanks to all members of the Indigenous Climate Adaptation Working Group, that provides technical advice on a broad range of matters related to preparing for and adapting to climate change. This program was born from recommendations made from Indigenous leaders who share knowledge with the province through this table.