Overview

CFN-GBI hosts the Indigenous Climate Action Network (ICAN), a First Nations-led peer network that supports Indigenous leadership development in climate action for First Nations communities across the province.
ICAN offers funding for remote and eligible Indigenous communities to hire a full-time staff position (Climate Action Coordinator, or CAC). 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 solar, hydro, heat pump installation and maintenance, building retrofits, food sovereignty and energy planning.

Each CAC is supported by the ICAN offerings, which include:

• The development of individual training plans
• Group training opportunities and conference participation
• Professional development
• Participation in our mentorship program
• Cultural learning and connection, supported by our Elder in Residence
• Annual in-community network gatherings
• Monthly calls and subject matter focus groups (such as food security or hydro power)

ICAN Offerings

We support Climate Action Coordinators (CACs) by providing individual and project-based support, training and professional development, and peer networking opportunities including:

• Monthly network calls for Climate Action Coordinators and Network staff to connect, provide updates on projects, and share knowledge.
• Annual Gatherings that bring Climate Action Coordinators and Network staff together to build relationships, share learnings and experiences.
• Direct technical support on projects that help communities solve problems without needing to hire outside resources.
• Topic-specific focus groups that support Nations to explore shared projects, topics and issues.

Recognizing the complex and challenging nature of climate action work in remote Indigenous communities, the Indigenous Climate Action Network (ICAN) 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.

NEWSLETTERS

Keep up to date on ICAN activities and learn about events, training, and funding opportunities by reading our quarterly newsletter. Subscribe to the ICAN newsletter here.

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, Natural Resources Canada, the Royal Bank of Canada, the Real Estate Foundation of BC, and New Relationship Trust.

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