(October 8, 2024 – Treaty No. 7 Territory, Calgary, Alberta) – Today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak marked the opening of the AFN 3rd National Climate Gathering on Treaty No. 7 Territory in Calgary, Alberta. The Gathering, under the theme “Catalyzing First Nations Climate and Conservation Leadership for Transformative Change,” runs from October 7-10, 2024, and is set to be the largest climate gathering hosted by the AFN, with over 1000 registered delegates.
“This year’s gathering is a critical opportunity for First Nations leaders, Elders, youth, women, gender-diverse, and climate advocates to come together, share experiences, and advance the implementation of the AFN National Climate Strategy,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Last year, we faced the worst wildfire season on record and are continuing to see the impacts of climate change in real time—it’s clear that First Nations leadership is vital for creating a just and sustainable future. By focusing on self-determined climate action, intergenerational knowledge sharing, and engaging our knowledge into national and global climate strategies, we are reaffirming that First Nations leadership in climate action is not only necessary but essential.”
“The AFN 3rd National Climate Gathering builds on the success of the 1st National Climate Gathering held in the territory of Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council in 2020, and the 2nd National Climate Gathering, hosted on the unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati peoples in Fredericton, New Brunswick, in 2022,” said Yukon AFN Regional Chief and Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment, and Water Stewardship, Kluane Adamek. “These two Gatherings, which hosted over 800 participants combined, were critical moments for First Nations to share solutions rooted in our worldviews, urging allies and climate practitioners to ‘stand beside and stand behind’ the leadership of First Nations.”
In October 2023, the AFN launched the National Climate Strategy, endorsed through Resolution 36/2023, Urgent and Transformative Climate Action through the AFN National Climate Strategy. This strategy prioritizes First Nations’ rights, self-determination, and knowledge systems in federal, provincial, and territorial climate actions. It promotes First Nations-led solutions to the climate crisis and calls for urgent, transformative action, in line with the first First Nations-in-Assembly Declaration of a First Nations Climate Emergency, passed in July 2019. The strategy also introduces the First Nations Climate Lens, which emphasizes the connections between Natural Law, First Nations’ climate impacts, and broader climate action, positioning First Nations as key leaders in driving meaningful change.
“For too long, there has been an overemphasis on technological solutions, while overlooking First Nations’ contributions and understanding of the climate crisis,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Real climate solutions must respect our knowledge, rights, and self-determination. I urge all levels of government, institutions, and organizations to support the implementation of the AFN National Climate Strategy and recognize the crucial role First Nations play in addressing the climate crisis. I look forward to productive discussions throughout the week and advancing this critical work for the future of our Nations.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
Contact Information:
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
[email protected]
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
Ayman Hammamieh
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
343-573-1771 (mobile)