Weekly Round-Up, December 9, 2022
December 9, 2022
A lot has been happening lately across Turtle Island. We know it can be hard to keep up, so we’ve compiled a list of news, events, and big stories related to Indigeneity and the climate crisis.
Opportunities
Seeking Knowledge Holders for First Nations Advisory Committee
Deadline: December 10, 2022
Seeking 6 individuals to be members of the First Nations Advisory Committee (FNAC) who, collectively, have an understanding of living and working in First Nations, as well as experiences in on-the-ground activities for land conservation, enhanced land management and ecological restoration that maximize carbon sequestration and storage.
Events
COP15: March for Biodiversity and Human rights
December 10, 2022 | Montreal, QC
The March for Biodiversity and Human rights is organized by the Quebec Civil Society Collective for COP15, which regroups 67+ organizations mobilizing for biodiversity protection in the context of COP15, along with local and international allies.
COP15: Nature & Culture Summit
December 11-12, 2022 | Montreal QC
The Nature and Culture Summit 2022 is a major parallel event at Part Two of the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-15.2), to reflect on the diverse values of nature, articulate the links between biological and cultural diversity, and to share experiences on how to restore and strengthen those links in support of the implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
Free Teach: Fighting Canadian Fossil Fuel Infrastructures in the “US” and “Canada”
December 11, 2022 | Montreal, QC
Come learn about different anti Enbridge pipeline fights with experts, activists, and indigenous organizers from the US and Canada. We will brainstorm ways we can work together in alignment on both sides of the colonial border moving forward to phase out existing fossil fuel infrastructure and to ensure no more Enbridge pipelines are built. Enbridge’s pipelines are connected, our struggles should be too.
Groundswell: An Indigenous Mining Justice Summit
December 15, 2022 | Vancouver, BC
Together with West Coast Environmental Law, BC Mining Law Reform and Gitxaala Nation, RAVEN is hosting “Groundswell: An Indigenous Mining Justice Summit” on Thursday, December 15. Hear from Gitxaala leadership, allied Nations and mining justice advocates and help raise $10k for this historic and game-changing legal challenge.
COP15: The Future we Want Media Night
December 15, 2022
This will be the final event of the Youth Convening Series where youth will come together to showcase youth climate action and screen visual works in a theatre-type venue. We will have small-bites and drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) available throughout the event.
COP15: Nature Walk Training
December 16, 2022 | Montreal, QC
The Jane Goodall Institute's Youth Advisory Council Members will host a two-hour workshop and guided walk to explore biodiversity conservation through nature walks. Humans interact with biodiversity in numerous facets that make it a critical aspect of our survival and quality of life. We hope to encourage accessible enrichment with nature through two seemingly conflicting ideals: spirituality and science. To fortify our group discussion, attendees may participate on a guided walk with nature to discover the balance between communal and personal conservation mindset.
News
Indigenous and Black Communities Find Common Cause for Land Justice
November 28, 2022
Historically, Indigenous and Black folks have been turned against each other by colonizers and enslavers. Now, communities are learning from one another and finding solidarity in efforts to reclaim stolen lands.
How Indigenous Architects, Artists, and Activists Are Using Design to Restore Tribal Sovereignty
November 29, 2022
Many non-natives have been conditioned to accept the notion that Indigenous people and their culture are extinct. This collective erasure means that Indigenous folks, with 574 recognized tribes in the United States alone, and their access to quality housing, infrastructure, and education are severely impacted. These things are either taken from them or ignored by our history books and our government—who to date have not properly honored land treaties with tribes made centuries ago.
Proposed changes to language law will create ‘barriers’ for Indigenous people: AFN
November 29, 2022
Proposed changes to the Official Languages Act are likely to create more “arbitrary barriers” for Indigenous people hoping to work in federal institutions and advance to higher levels, says the Assembly of First Nations.
The national advocacy organization, representing more than 600 First Nations across the country, issued its warning to a parliamentary committee that is studying amendments to the law.
Reflections on Human Rights and Hope from COP27
December 3, 2022
After two weeks in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt for the Climate COP27 (The United Nations Conference of Parties on Climate Change), I’m reflecting on our purpose in attending and the outcomes.
Like many, my sentiments are bittersweet. We attended to call attention to the fact that the Amazon is at a tipping point and amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples, women, youth, and civil society who were demanding climate justice both inside and outside the official event. We also wanted to show our solidarity with Egyptian and African civil society, as this was the first COP on the continent.
‘Abuse of power’: Indigenous communities call out lack of consultation on Ontario housing bill
December 3, 2022
Ever since the Doug Ford government proposed its massive, sweeping housing bill, Indigenous chiefs and organizations across Ontario have been urgently reminding the Progressive Conservatives of their legal duty to consult them before making any decisions about land use.
First Nation in western B.C. making strides toward energy sovereignty
December 4, 2022
Six years after a devastating diesel spill underscored its dependency on fossil fuels, the Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk) Nation in western B.C. says it is moving towards energy sovereignty and decarbonization, introducing everything from heat pumps, solar panels and solar composting to its community.