Press Release: Eriel Deranger Awarded $4 Million To Launch New International Indigenous Climate Justice Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2024
Amiskwacîwâskahikan | Edmonton, Alberta – Eriel Tchekwie Deranger, a Dënesųłiné woman from Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Executive Director and co-founder of Indigenous Climate Action (ICA), will be leading the first Climate Breakthrough backed project to advance Indigenous rights. The Climate Breakthrough Award is the largest climate grant designed for social change leaders to develop, launch, and scale new initiatives with breakthrough potential to address climate change.
Over the next three years, Deranger will receive a $4 million (USD) funding package to develop, launch, and scale a global initiative that ensures the effective and resourced participation of Indigenous peoples in global negotiations and decision-making processes.
“Indigenous peoples have been some of the most formidable advocates in advancing climate change as a global political issue, “ shares Deranger, “ We have been calling for the most progressive targets, mitigation, and adaptation strategies in the world and our communities are responding to the climate crisis in ways that draw from our traditional knowledge systems to create effective climate solutions. It is about time that we receive this level of investment into Indigenous leadership in climate policy and solutions,”
Through her leadership at ICA, Deranger has been helping steward the national Indigenous climate movement within Canada over the last decade. During this time, ICA has explored ways to engage with international climate policy through their participation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. While the Climate Breakthrough investment will support Deranger in leading a new and independent initiative, ICA will continue to support the work through amplification, advocacy, and partnerships.
With her leadership at ICA, her participation within the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change, and over 15 years of experience organizing Indigenous participation at various international climate conferences, Eriel Deranger is uniquely positioned to reshape the global climate movement. While the participation of Indigenous peoples in international spaces is not new, Deranger’s project will ensure Indigenous Peoples are better resourced to lead the fight for climate justice.
Visit here to learn more and stay up-to-date on the project.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Melanie Dene
Executive Manager, Indigenous Climate Action
Email: media@indigenousclimateaction.com
Indigenous Climate Action is an Indigenous-led organization guided by a diverse group of Indigenous knowledge keepers, water protectors and land defenders from communities and regions across the country. We believe that Indigenous Peoples’ rights and knowledge systems are critical to developing solutions to the climate crisis and achieving climate justice. Visit our website to learn more.