The resilience, ingenuity and perseverance of Inuit, Métis and First Nations Peoples in the face of climate impacts and colonialism shows how Canadians can move forward — together — to tackle climate change and advance reconciliation. 

The historical and ongoing impacts of colonial policies — including the displacement of Indigenous Peoples from their traditional territories and the bypassing of Indigenous authority in decision-making — continues to undermine rights and inhibit collaboration in the energy transition. Climate change has added another layer, disrupting the lands, waterways and wildlife that sustain life from coast to coast, to coast.

Drastic climate-driven shifts are threatening people’s health, livelihoods and daily lives while also disproportionately eroding Indigenous knowledge, culture and ways of life. 

Despite those obstacles, Indigenous nations, leaders, elders, youth, knowledge-holders and researchers continue to lead in conversation and in developing solutions that will better equip all Canadians to tackle and adapt to our shared climate realities. 

This Indigenous Peoples Day, we will take the time to honour the enduring spirit of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in the face of climate change and colonial policy. The climate leadership of Indigenous Peoples — longstanding stewards of the land — is needed now more than ever. 

Take, for instance, the wholly-owned Métis Nation of Alberta solar farm, Salay........

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