About the Indigenous Climate Action Network (I-CAN)
CFN-GBI hosts the Indigenous Climate Action Network (I-CAN), a program which supports Indigenous leadership in climate action for communities across the province.
I-CAN offers funding for remote Indigenous communities to hire a full-time staff position (Climate Action Coordinators) and individual and peer networking support for that individual, including training and mentorship. Climate Action Coordinator work includes planning and implementing energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and climate change adaptation projects for their community.
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.
