Indigenous Delegates Disappointed in Lack of Attendance By Canada Delegates at Indigenous-led Events; COP29

November 13, 2024

Baku, Azerbaijan - Indigenous delegates from so-called Canada share disappointment in the lack of Canadian delegate attendance during Indigenous Climate Leadership Day at the Canada Pavilion during COP29 in Baku.

“We work really hard to bring the stories and teachings from our communities to this space and to have so few Canadian delegates there to listen or learn is disheartening. Indigenous peoples don’t need to preach our views on these topics to each other—we all already know them. We need Canada to show up for us and be willing to learn from us. If Canada won’t listen and learn from us in our own house, what is our hope for them to support our rights on a world stage?” shared Jennifer Pylypiw, Otipemisiwak Métis Government.

Indigenous Peoples continue to face barriers to meaningful participation within spaces like the UNFCCC. While we have cultivated support within the International Indigenous Peoples Pavilion, the Canada Pavilion continues to reduce our experience and knowledge to a single day of events. This not only puts pressure on our delegations, but it systemically separates us from broader conversations that impact our home territories.

 “With Indigenous-led speaking events restricted to one day, combined with the need to show up for and learn from our Indigenous relatives, it was a struggle to get through the day. As Indigenous Peoples in these spaces, we are held to a higher standard. Expected to show up for back-to-back events, stay up-to-date on all negotiations, and ensure Canada is doing what needs to be done to address the climate crisis white upholding our rights - I’m already exhausted. And it’s only day 3,” shared Jayce Chiblow, Indigenous Climate Action.

Those who attended events on Indigenous Climate Leadership Day at the Canada Pavilion were mostly Indigenous Peoples. While we always appreciate the solidarity of our relatives, the messages and teachings from Indigenous experts and knowledge keepers would have most benefited settler Canadians.

Angele Alook shared a deep disappointment with the attendance at multiple events, “My closing remarks in the last session reflected on how Indigenous laws can provide a teaching to our Canadian negotiators, that we need to think beyond British common law, and start to learn from Cree laws. These natural laws are the keys to coming together as a world to solve this urgent crisis. Sadly, I was speaking to mainly those who already live by these natural laws, and it is the members of the Canadian delegation and our settler relatives that needed to hear these teachings, and hear these stories. I am deeply disappointed that the stories were not shared beyond those Indigenous allies present.”

Indigenous Peoples are rights holders, but in spaces like the UNFCCC COP gatherings we continue to be reduced to stakeholders and only granted access as part of civil society. Speaking at State venues and in official side sessions are critical for sharing our living experience of climate change and place-based solutions. These spaces can be difficult to access and participation often requires long days with multiple commitments to ensure our voices are heard. The consistent capacity to show up is a testament to the love and commitment our relatives have to real solutions. The lack of attendance by government and other civil society delegates is a demonstration of just how low on the priority list Indigenous Peoples continue to be.

In the era of Truth and Reconciliation, we hear a lot of talk about and from our non-Indigenous allies, but allyship cannot be based on convenience or proximity. Allyship is not just creating a space that you invite us into. Rather, it should be co-conspiring to create space and structure that is beneficial for everyone then showing up to do the work.

There are several more opportunities to take in Indigenous-led events during COP29. Please consider following the event listings at the links below:

International Indigenous Peoples Pavilion COP29 Event Program

Indigenous Climate Action COP29 Page