CLIMATE CONFERENCE THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, through the Strengthened Climate Plan, the Emissions Reduction Plan and Budget 2022, committed to co-developing a First Nations Climate Leadership Agenda. This initiative aimed to support First Nations in articulating their vision for climate leadership, identifying priorities for climate action and developing recommendations for a long-term path forward. From 2022 to 2025, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) received funding under this program. Through this support, the Lands and Resources Secretariat engaged with First Nations across Saskatchewan in the development of both regional and national First Nations Climate Leadership Agendas. Engagement activities included an Elders Forum, participation in National Steering Committees, a Climate Change Conference and three two-day regional sessions for leadership and technical staff held in Regina, Prince Albert and Saskatoon. Additional targeted engagement sessions were held for youth and Elders in June and September 2024. FSIN also presented key findings as part of a panel at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Climate Gathering in Calgary in October 2024. Following the completion of this work, the Lands and Resource Commission passed a motion to submit the final report, including its recommenda- tions, to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Crown- Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). To obtain a copy of this report, please contact the FSIN Lands and Resources Secretariat. Below are the recommendations gathered from the engagements: 1. Government & Policy Support • Enhance Government Coordination & Policy o Improve intergovernmental cooperation to ensure cohesive climate action strategies. o Adopt and implement OCAP principles to respect First Nations’ control over their data. o Establish respectful partnerships and ensure First Nations are equal partners in decision- making processes. • Streamline Funding Processes o Simplify funding application and reporting processes to make them more accessible. o Provide long-term, stable funding to address ongoing climate issues rather than short- term projects. o Ensure direct communication of funding opportunities to First Nations and extend application deadlines. 2. Communication & Coordination • Improve Communication Channels o Increase direct and effective communication between federal agencies and First Nations. o Establish annual meetings with appropriate ministers and climate change specialists. o Create dedicated roles for federal consultation officers to facilitate ongoing dialogue. • Promote Knowledge Sharing o Utilize existing communication platforms and involve local boards, educational and health authorities to spread climate change awareness. First Nations Climate Leadership Agenda Recommendations o Share success stories and best practices among First Nations to foster a collaborative approach. 3. Capacity & Building Participation • Strengthen First Nations Capacity o Provide funding for dedicated staff and resources to manage climate initiatives within First Nations. o Offer training and workshops to enhance proposal writing and grant management skills. o Ensure representation of First Nations at all levels of project planning and implementation. • Empower First Nations Participation o Involve Elders, youth and Nation members in climate research and decision-making. o Respect and integrate traditional knowledge and expertise into climate action plans. o Establish boards and committees that include First Nations members to oversee climate projects. 4. Funding & Resources • Allocate Adequate & Accessible Funding for Climate Initiatives o Secure sufficient funding to support comprehensive climate action projects. o Make funding application processes straightforward and transparent to encourage participation. o Provide long-term, stable funding to ensure continuity and effectiveness of climate action programs. 26 OUR PRIORITY Issue 1 2025/26
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