This pathway is focused on keeping global warming below 1.5°C in line with the IPCC’s recommendation while also supporting First Nations in developing their own climate responses and initiatives grounded in community-specific priorities.
Green Infrastructure
4.1.1Establish appropriate infrastructure within First Nations to protect community and ecosystem health, reduce GHG emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, and adapt to current and projected climate impacts.
Strategies and Actions
Priority
Implementation Recommendations
a)Conduct a provincial-wide infrastructure assessment to:
- Identify First Nations infrastructure needs (transportation and communications networks, emergency response, climate data).
- Explore opportunities for green infrastructure development within and between First Nations communities.
- Close infrastructure gaps in First Nations communities.
- Implement item “c” at Theme 4.9,
Immediate
- Crown governments to work in collaboration with First Nations in BC and First Nations organizations, to conduct the infrastructure assessment and provide recommendations.
- The FNLC to advocate for implementation of identified recommendations and to support First Nations at their request to implement the above.
- Crown governments to provide sufficient long-term funding in order to close infrastructure gaps.
- Crown governments to provide an annual update to First Nations in BC on their investment to this action.
b)Support the development of infrastructure-related training opportunities within First Nations communities in line with actions found at Theme 2.2.
Ongoing
- Crown governments, like-minded organizations, and institutions to financially and technically support training in this regard.
- Crown governments and educational institutions to report annually on the number of beneficiaries and type of benefits received.
c)Support First Nations in developing and operating their own infrastructure management plans and systems to effectively respond to current and projected climate impacts, including energy-efficiency strategies and plans.
Immediate
- Crown governments, like-minded organizations, and institutions to financially and technically support the development and operation of management systems for interested First Nations in BC.
Transportation
4.2.1Ensure reliable and affordable low-carbon and active transportation within and between First Nations communities.
4.2.2Support First Nations in reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Strategies and Actions
Priority
Implementation Recommendations
a)Review state-led policies and programs* relating to low-carbon transportation and active transportation projects and develop reform recommendations to support the needs and priorities of First Nations both on and off reserve. This work may include strengthening:
- First Nations awareness and education on current government transportation projects and initiatives.
- Reliable transportation networks for communities, particularly for those in northern and remote communities.
- Clean mobility options for communities and vulnerable community members.
- Opportunities to use electric vehicle fleets within communities.
- Charging/hydrogen fuelling infrastructure development opportunities and rebates.
- Transitioning into clean and low-carbon fuel resource opportunities, including hydrogen and biofuels.
Immediate
- Crown governments, in collaboration with interested First Nation in BC and First Nations organizations, to review their policies and programs in line with this action.
- The FNLC to support First Nations at their request to implement the above.
- Crown governments must communicate investments made to implement identified reform recommendations.
* Policies and programs here may include, but are not limited to: Clean BC’s Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, Heavy Duty Vehicle Efficiency Program, Go Electric Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program, Go Electric Public Charging, Go Electric Hydrogen Program, Go Electric Charger Rebates, Go Electric Advanced Research and Commercialization, the implementation of charging stations and private and utility investment in charging/hydrogen fueling stations, the implementation of BC’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Standard and Active Transportation, and BC’s public transit systems.
Housing and Buildings
4.3.1Ensure that housing and buildings within First Nations communities are culturally appropriate, energy-efficient, and resilient to climate change.
4.3.2Address the systemic inequity of housing security for First Nations both on and off reserve as a component of building resiliency and adaptation to climate change.
4.3.3Strengthen First Nations management and capacity to build homes and buildings in their own self-determined ways.
Strategies and Actions
Priority
Implementation Recommendations
a)Support First Nations in developing and implementing their own energy-efficient housing and building strategies and plans to respond to their specific needs and priorities.
Immediate
- Crown governments and like-minded organizations to support interested First Nations in implementing this action.
b)Support First Nations with energy-efficiency capacity and energy-efficient home and building development by:
- Strengthening training opportunities for First Nations on housing and energy-efficient design, construction and maintenance, materials and technologies, building inspection, energy advising, and other areas.
- Partnering with other Indigenous groups, organizations, and educational institutions to develop region-specific training programs for First Nations related to GHG emission counting, energy-efficiency, and the assessment of energy-efficient projects.
- Supporting networking efforts between First Nations communities to share successful experiences in energy-efficient construction and retrofits.
Ongoing
- Crown governments, like-minded organizations, and institutions to support interested First Nations in line with items identified under this action.
c)Review state-led policies and programs related to energy-efficient housing and buildings and develop reform recommendations to support the needs and priorities of First Nations both on and off reserve.
Immediate
- Crown governments, in collaboration with interested First Nations in BC and First Nations organizations, to review/reform relevant policies and programs in line with this action.
- FNLC to advocate for the implementation of this action and to support First Nations at their request to implement the above.
d)Develop a Housing and Building Funding Framework, aligned with actions found at Theme 2.3, to support Nation capacity to undertake culturally appropriate and energy-efficient housing and building initiatives.
Ongoing
- Crown governments, in collaboration with interested First Nations in BC and like-minded organizations, to implement this action.
- This may involve First Nations in BC to explore opportunities for on-bill financing with BC Hydro and the province.
e)Explore opportunities to create a First Nations Energy-Efficient Home Design Certification Program to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into building design and construction.
Ongoing
- Crown governments, First Nations organizations and institutions to co-develop this program with interested First Nations in BC.
f)Support First Nations off-grid with sustainable and affordable options to access clean energy sources and reduce home energy costs.
Immediate
- Crown governments to increase investments and work with interested First Nations to find long-term solutions in this regard.
g)Support the development of “passive homes” to minimize residential energy demand and to incorporate traditional housing elements into building designs.
Ongoing
- First Nations in BC, with support from Crown governments and like-minded organizations, to implement this action.
h)Explore the development of a Nation-specific Building Codes to provide a framework for communities on how the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings can comply with energy-efficient objectives.
Ongoing
- First Nations in BC, with support from First Nations organizations and institutions, and Crown governments, to implement this action.
i)Support the development of education and awareness programs to strengthen First Nations knowledge on energy-efficiency in the home and building context and its benefits, aligned with actions found at Theme 2.2.
Ongoing
- Educational institutions and like-minded organizations are encouraged to explore partnerships with interested First Nations in BC to implement this action.
j)Strengthen capacity of the First Nations Housing & Infrastructure Council and the Housing & Infrastructure Authority for First Nations in BC once established in order to lead the transition toward more energy-efficient housing and building schemes.
Ongoing
- The FNLC to advocate for the implementation of this action.
Food Security and Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems
4.4.1Strengthen food and seafood security for First Nations through the recognition and support of traditional food systems which are also sustainable and low carbon.
4.4.2Support First Nations in creating and enhancing mechanisms to effectively respond to the impacts of climate change on traditional food, seafood, and medicinal sources.
4.4.3Support innovative solutions to ensure food security and establish self-sufficiency within First Nations communities, especially those in colder climates with short outdoor growing seasons and those most vulnerable to climate-related impacts and emergency-related disasters.
Strategies and Actions
Priority
Implementation Recommendations
a)Recognize and support First Nations authority and right to define, use, and manage their own food systems, including harvesting, gathering, and trapping processes and markets.
Ongoing
- All entities must make this recognition, especially those entering community territories and engaging in land use activities.
- The FNLC to advocate for the implementation of this action.
b)Support First Nations in developing long-term strategies, policies, and other tools to enhance community-led food sovereignty systems. This includes supporting equitable access to traditional foods, responding to low populations of species, protecting and restoring critical food source habitats, and ensuring systems are sustainable and low-carbon.
- Examples: Yunesit’in and Kwadacha First Nations greenhouse initiatives; First Nations Health Authority’s Food Security Planning Toolkit; Nisga’a Fisheries Management Program; Nisga’a Nass Wildlife Committee.
Immediate
- Crown governments, organizations, and institutions to support interested First Nations in implementing this action.
- Crown governments to increase investments to support interested First Nations in implementing this action and to report annually on work and progress made.
c)Ensure wild salmon stocks are protected and restored for current and future generations by:
- Supporting the development and implementation of a BC First Nations Wild Fisheries Strategy and a BC Salmon Advocate with items related to climate impacts on food security.
- Supporting the First Nations Fisheries Council in the development of the BC First Nations Fisheries Strategy.
Immediate
- Interested First Nations in BC, with support from First Nations organizations, to implement this action.
- The FNLC to work to advocate for and support the recovery and restoration of wild salmon stocks as mandated by Chiefs in BC. This includes implementation of this action and developing a strategic approach to salmon fisheries in BC.
d)Identify, protect, and restore ecosystems and natural habitats impacted by climate change and human activity (including resource extraction and other urban/industrial projects) to sustain traditional food and seafood systems.
Immediate
- Interested First Nations in BC, with support from First Nations organizations and institutions, and Crown governments to implement this action and to develop mechanisms for biodiversity and ecosystem protection.
- Crown governments to provide an annual report on its investments to this action.
- The FNLC to advocate to Crown governments on the legislative development of a new biodiversity and ecosystem health law.
- See Theme 3.2 and Theme 3.3 for more implementation recommendations.
e)Consult with Elders and/or Knowledge Holders to determine effective and appropriate approaches to protecting and restoring food security.
Immediate
- Crown governments and interested First Nations in BC to identify mechanisms to strengthen implementation of this action.
f)Support innovative ways to ensure that Elders and other community members in need have access to healthy foods, such as traditional foods and fresh food, i.e., community gardens.
- Example: Metlakatla Food Fish Program.
Immediate
- Interested First Nations in BC, with support from Crown governments and First Nations organizations, to identify and implement mechanisms in line with this action.
g)Support the development of educational initiatives, specifically for First Nations youth, related to the importance of restoring and maintaining traditional food diets and sustainable low-carbon food systems to combat climate change.
Ongoing
- Interested First Nations in BC, with support from educational institutions, Elders/Knowledge Holders, and experts, to develop these initiatives and resources.
h)Support First Nations in developing appropriate and local food waste management mechanisms to help reduce GHG emissions and ecological footprints.
Ongoing
- Interested First Nations in BC, with support from like-minded organizations and Crown governments, to implement this action.
i)Support First Nation-led research to assess impacts of global warming on ecosystems and natural habitats that support the protection of traditional foods, seafood, and medicines within communities.
Ongoing
- Educational institutions and like-minded organizations to explore partnerships with interested First Nations in BC in these climate research initiatives.
- Crown governments to increase their funding support to implement this action.
j)Facilitate and support collaborative discussions and opportunities within and between First Nations communities and other Indigenous groups to combat food insecurity.
Ongoing
- First Nations organizations to advocate and explore opportunities to implement this action.
Emergency Response
4.5.1Effectively respond to climate-related emergencies and associated risks and impacts on First Nations communities.
4.5.2Strengthen First Nation-led emergency management and preparedness to effectively respond to climate-related impacts, risks, and emergencies.
Strategies and Actions
Priority
Implementation Recommendations
a)Immediately strengthen emergency management, response, and recovery systems within First Nations communities in order to ensure preparedness from catastrophic weather events and natural disasters. This involves:
- Conducting an assessment of communities most vulnerable to climate-related emergencies and prioritize support for those communities.
- Developing an emergency response tracker for vulnerable communities in order to assess previous events and their impacts while also preparing for future events.
- Identifying and implementing critical supports needed in order to reduce risks and impacts from emergency climate events within communities. For example, build critical infrastructure such as cooling centres and equipment, install air purifiers, implement paid fire response positions, etc.
- Ensure all mapping and assessment data and systems are up to date within First Nations communities specific to their territories.
- Investing in and supporting First Nations communities in developing their own emergency management strategies, plans, and systems.
Immediate
- Interested First Nations in BC, with support from First Nations organizations, and Crown governments, to conduct the emergency management assessment and identify recommendations.
- The FNLC to advocate for implementation of the identified recommendations and to support First Nations at their request to implement the above.
- Crown governments to invest in this action and outcomes and to provide an annual report to First Nations in BC in their investments.
b)Support the actions undertaken by the FNLC and the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) to:
- Implement the Tripartite Emergency Management Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and establish a collective process to create partnerships and enhance First Nations emergency response, capacity and management.
- Develop the BC First Nations Regional Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction which:
- Aligns with the 2015-2030 Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction, the UN Declaration, and the Declaration Acts.
- Ensures emergency management planning incorporates Indigenous Knowledge and recognizes and upholds the inherent Title, Rights, and Treaty Rights of First Nations in BC.
- Implements recommendations relating to provincial wildfires as found in Trial by Fire: Nadleh Whut’en and the Shovel Lake Fire Report, Tsilhqot’in Nation’s NAGWEDIẐK’AN GWANEŜ GANGU CH’INIDẐED GANEXWILAGH: The Fires Awakened Us and the Addressing the New Normal: 21st Century Disaster Management in British Columbia.
Immediate
- The FNLC to continue working with the FNESS and Crown governments to implement these actions.
- Crown governments to increase their investments to support implementation of this action.
c)Enhance collaborative opportunities with the provincial and federal governments and First Nations organizations to implement an ecosystem-based approach for adaptation actions, including nature-based solutions for flood management and traditional and prescribed burning practices to mitigate wildfire disasters.
Ongoing
- First Nations organizations to explore opportunities and partnerships with Crown governments and other institutions in line with this action.
- Crown governments to increase their funding support to implement this action.
d)Support First Nations in conducting their own research to assess and better understand the interactions between climate change and local hazards to inform decision-making on climate adaptation response.
Immediate
- Educational institutions and like-minded organizations to support interested First Nations in line with this action.
- Crown governments to increase their funding support to implement this action.
e)Integrate emergency management planning into climate change response by merging disaster risk reduction with climate adaptation actions at the provincial, federal, and Nation levels.
Ongoing
- Crown governments and interested First Nations governments to integrate emergency management planning into their climate adaptation work to optimize resources and capacity.
f)Review and reform all emergency management legislation, policies, and programs, such Canada’s Emergency Management Act and BC’s Emergency Program Act, to ensure appropriate response to the current climate emergency and alignment with the UN Declaration and the Declaration Acts.
Ongoing
- Crown governments, in collaboration with interested First Nations in BC, to conduct this review/reform and to implement outcomes.
- The FNLC to continue advocating and working implementation of this action and to support First Nations at their request.
Climate Plans, Monitoring, and Risk Assessments
4.6.1Ensure First Nations communities are equipped and informed through the development of their own climate strategies, actions plans, risk assessments, and monitoring programs and initiatives.
4.6.2Recognize First Nations authority to conduct climate- related assessments and monitoring work in their own self-determined ways to generate their own data and inform their self-determined climate response and planning.
Strategies and Actions
Priority
Implementation Recommendations
a)Support First Nations in developing Nation-specific climate strategies and action plans based on their own needs, priorities, and self-determined processes. This may include strategies and plans relating to adaptation and mitigation, emergency response, clean energy, net-zero emissions, and/or others.
Immediate
- Crown governments, like-minded organizations, institutions, academics, and experts to support interested First Nations in line with this action.
- Crown governments to increase their funding support to implement this action and to provide an annual report to First Nations in BC on their investments.
b)Ensure future provincial-led risk assessments are co-developed with First Nations in BC to assess risks and vulnerabilities specific to distinct and unique First Nations individuals and communities while also incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and a First Nations climate lens.
Ongoing
- The FNLC to advocate to the province for thorough implementation on this action
c)Support First Nations in conducting Nation-specific risk assessments, which may include a review of cumulative effects of climate change, land use changes, water extraction, and pollution.
Immediate
- Crown governments, like-minded organizations, institutions, academics, and experts to support interested First Nations in line with this action.
- Crown governments to increase their funding support to implement this action and to provide an annual report to First Nations in BC on their investments.
d)Support the development and implementation of First Nation-led monitoring and data collection frameworks to establish robust baseline data on climate, environmental, social, cultural, and economic factors to inform climate response.
Immediate
- Crown governments and like-minded organizations to support interested First Nations in line with this action.
- See Theme 2.4 for more implementation recommendations.
e)Support First Nations in developing appropriate and effective strategies to mitigate or avoid climate-related impacts to cultural rights and heritage sites. This may include mapping of cultural heritage sites and identifying and designating places of significance.
Immediate
- Crown governments, organizations, institutions, academics, and experts to support interested First Nations in line with this action.
GHG Emission Reduction
4.7.1Meet and exceed provincial and federal climate targets to align with the IPCC’s recommendation to limit global warming to 1.5oC.
4.7.2Strengthen collaboration and partnerships between First Nations, governments, corporations, institutions, and organizations to reduce global GHG emissions and carbon pollution.
Strategies and Actions
Priority
Implementation Recommendations
a)Establish more ambitious climate targets for Canada and BC to align with IPCC’s recommendations to limit global warming to 1.5oC, including reaching net-zero by 2040. To meet newly established targets, Canada and BC must:
- Completely phase-out subsidies for oil and gas and other intensive industries and focus on building a renewable energy economy.
- Support First Nations who rely on the fossil fuel industry to adapt to low carbon revenue sources.
- Assess their programs and plans that aim to reduce GHG emissions to ensure they are effectively designed and working towards sustainable emission reductions.
- Assess methodologies for GHG emission counting and estimates, as well as indicators of performance for programs that support high-emitting industries (oil and gas, logging, mining, agriculture) to reduce emission and ensure sustainable reductions.
Immediate
- The FNLC to advocate to Crown governments to implement this action.
b)Ensure Crown governments develop and commit to large-scale GHG emission reduction from wildfires.
Ongoing
- The FNLC to advocate to Crown governments to ensure implementation of this action.
c)Support First Nations in assessing, quantifying, and reducing their GHG emissions to inform decision-making, develop offset and/or mitigation measures, and explore economic investments.
Ongoing
- Interested First Nations in BC, with support from First Nations organizations, to develop a toolkit for First Nations to use to assess and quantify GHG emissions.
- Crown governments to increase their funding support to implement this action.
d)Support First Nations in developing and leading nature-based solutions in their territories to help reduce GHG emissions and address climate change impacts. This may involve meeting conservation targets to protect 25% of Canada’s land and ocean by 2015 with IPCAs to offset GHG emissions.
Immediate
- Like-minded organizations, institutions, and Crown governments to support First Nations in implementing this action.
- Crown governments to increase their funding support to implement this action and to provide an annual report to First Nations in BC on their investments.
e)Review and reform legislation, regulations, policies, and programs related to the carbon market and carbon offsets to ensure alignment with the UN Declaration and the Declaration Acts. This includes:
- Strengthening First Nations leadership and decision-making in existing and emerging carbon markets and carbon trading in a way that recognizes and respects their inherent Title and Rights.
- Supporting First Nations in asserting their jurisdiction to carbon rights and the right to hold productive capacity within their territories.
- Removing restrictions on First Nations authority to pursue land-based carbon offsets and conservation projects within their territories.
Ongoing
- Crown governments, in collaboration with interested First Nations in BC, to review/reform legislation, regulations, policies, and programs in line with this action.
- The FNLC to advocate for implementation of this action and to support First Nations at their request.
f)Partner with local governments, institutions and/or organizations to explore and assess mitigation opportunities for communities, such as negative emissions technologies.
- Example: Community solar feasibility research project carried out in partnership with relevant university programs and their students.
Ongoing
- Interested First Nations in BC, with support from like-minded organizations, institutions, and Crown governments, to assess opportunities and limitations of negative emissions technologies on First Nations’ Title, Rights, and interests.
Clean Energy Development
4.8.1Facilitate First Nations energy independence and energy security while building sustainable economies within First Nations communities by supporting First Nations participation and ownership in the generation, transmission, and distribution of clean energy (renewable, non-combustible and/or low carbon energy sources).
4.8.2Reduce energy poverty in First Nations communities by ensuring access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy and energy sources that reduce total GHG emissions and mitigate environmental impacts relative to alternative sources.
Strategies and Actions
Priority
Implementation Recommendations
a)Establish an Indigenous Clean Energy Legacy Fund to support clean energy projects in First Nations communities for generations to come.
Immediate
- The FNLC to continue to support the New Relationship Trust’s efforts to secure funds to establish an Indigenous Clean Energy Legacy Fund as mandated by First Nations in BC.
b)Support First Nations in generating, transmitting, and distributing clean energy. This includes:
- Working to establish Indigenous utilities. Examples: Tsleil-Waututh Nation Proposed Solar Project; T’sou-ke Solar Project.
- Connecting communities to the grid or developing First Nations microgrids
- Working to diversify clean energy sources available to support energy independence, cost reduction, community resiliency, and GHG emission reduction.
- Increasing investments in energy sources that are often ignored such as ocean energy (tidal and ocean thermal) and geothermal energy (electricity and heat). Examples: Kitselas Geothermal Inc.; Clark Lake Geothermal Project now known as Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal.
Immediate
- Interested First Nations in BC, with support from First Nations organizations such as the First Nations Energy and Mining Council, to work collectively with Crown governments to implement this action.
- The FNLC to advocate for the establishment of Indigenous utilities across the province and to support First Nations at their request.
- Crown governments to increase their funding support to implement this action and to provide an annual report to First Nations in BC on their investments.
c)Restore the ability for First Nations to generate revenue from selling electricity through agreements such as electricity purchase agreements for small projects and/or other alternatives that allow for economic opportunities related to clean energy.
Immediate
- The province must immediately re-establish opportunities for First Nations to own and develop clean energy projects and to sell electricity to BC Hydro.
- The FNLC to advocate for implementation of this action.
d)Conduct research on clean energy development within First Nations communities, including opportunities and impacts associated with the shift to clean and low carbon fuel sources such as hydrogen and biofuels.
Immediate
- Interested First Nations in BC, with the support from like-minded organizations and educational institutions, to develop initiatives to implement this action.
- Crown governments to increase their funding support to implement this action.
e)Assist First Nations communities to eliminate any existing dependency on fossil fuel use by addressing limitations that constrain their ability to transition toward clean energy alternatives.
Immediate
- Crown governments must increase their investments and efforts to implement this action with respect to First Nations’ inherent right to self-determination and to develop and use their own self-determined processes and institutions.
- The FNLC to continue to advocate for implementation of this action.
f)Review and reform all provincial and federal clean energy legislation, policies, and programs to ensure accessibility and equitable opportunities for First Nations in BC.
- Examples: The BC Hydro Net Metering Program framework and policies such as the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada, BC Hydrogen Strategy, BC Bioenergy Strategy, BC Low Carbon Fuel Standard, and Canada’s Clean Fuel Standard.
Ongoing
- Crown governments, in collaboration with First Nations in BC, to review/reform legislation, regulations, policies, and programs in line with this action.
- The FNLC to continue advocating for implementation of this action.
- See Theme 1.2 for more implementation recommendations.
g)Support education and awareness programs to educate and train First Nations in clean energy alternatives and development in line with actions found at Theme 2.2.
Ongoing
- Educational institutions and like-minded organizations to develop initiatives, in collaboration with interested First Nations in BC, to implement this action.
Community Health and Wellness
4.9.1Better understand the impacts of climate change on First Nations health and wellness.
4.9.2Ensure long-term First Nations community health and wellness to ensure resiliency in the face of the climate emergency.
Strategies and Actions
Priority
Implementation Recommendations
a)Ensure all First Nations in BC have long-term and reliable access to safe and clean food and water sources both in their homes and throughout their territories.
Immediate
- The federal government must immediately honour its commitment to improve First Nations drinking water and ensure implementation of this action.
b)Facilitate First Nation-led research to better understand the impacts of climate change on First Nations’ health in communities, particularly those vulnerable with low populations. This includes the development of health and wellness indicators.
Immediate
- First Nations organizations, such as the First Nations Health Authority, non-Indigenous organizations, and educational institutions to explore partnerships with interested First Nations in BC in these climate research initiatives.
- Crown governments to facilitate First Nations’ access to funding to further support implementation of this action.
c)Conduct a province-wide assessment on critical infrastructure in First Nation reserves necessary to protect community health and wellness. Assessments may be focused on:
- Drinking water treatment, storage facilities, and distribution systems.
- Water withdrawal systems.
- Hazardous waste handling and storage.
- Waste disposal and recycling.
- Other items identified at Theme 4.1
Immediate
- Crown governments to work in collaboration with interested First Nations in BC to ensure this assessment is conducted in line with the infrastructure assessment at Theme 4.1.
d)Ensure Indigenous and non-Indigenous health agencies undertake culturally appropriate and periodic climate change health assessments in communities to inform climate adaptation response.
Ongoing
- Crown governments and like-minded organizations to identify and implement initiatives to meet this action.
e)Support First Nations in developing and establishing culturally appropriate community wellness centres and programs to provide services for members with the incorporation of traditional practices and medicines.
Ongoing
- Like-minded Organizations to support interested First Nations in BC to implement this action.
- Crown governments to increase their funding support to implement this action and to provide an annual report to First Nations in BC on their investments.
Just and Green Economy
4.10.1Strengthen First Nations economic independence by supporting and recognizing First Nation-led sustainable and low carbon economic development initiatives.
4.10.2Maximize First Nations participation in economic development and employment opportunities arising from the transition to a low-carbon society.
4.10.3Ensure recognition and implementation of the “economic component” of First Nations’ Title and facilitate equitable resource revenue sharing with First Nations communities.
Strategies and Actions
Priority
Implementation Recommendations
a)Support First Nations in exploring and developing environmentally sustainable and low carbon economic development projects and opportunities through:
- Supporting the implementation of the BCAFN Sustainable Economic Development and Fiscal Relations Strategy.
- Increasing equity-financing for First Nation-led sustainable and low-carbon initiatives, with accessibility to First Nation entrepreneurs. Examples of these types of initiatives include: T’Sou’ke First Nation’s greenhouses as part of their franchise agreement with Pacific Coast Wasabi; Metlakatla First Nation’s sustainable social enterprise with essential oils.
- Transforming the current model for revenue sharing in order to:
- Create consent-based long-term economic agreements with interested First Nations throughout the province.
- Remove disparity between First Nations to ensure all Nations receive equal access to revenue and revenue-sharing opportunities.
Immediate
- First Nations organizations and institutions to support interested First Nations in implementing this action.
- Entities in the private sector are encouraged to explore partnerships and opportunities to work with First Nations in line with this action.
- Crown governments to facilitate First Nations’ equal access to funding to implement this action and to provide an annual report to First Nations in BC on their investments.
- The FNLC to advocate for increasing equity-financing for First Nation-led initiatives.
b)Support First Nations in implementing GHG emission standards, assessments, and criteria at the community level to inform decision-making for economic development. See also item “c” at Theme 4.1
Immediate
- Like-minded organizations, institutions, and Crown governments to support interested First Nations in implementing this action.
- See Theme 4.7 for more implementation recommendations.
c)Support First Nations investment in eco-tourism and land-based carbon offsets to build sustainable revenue streams for communities.
Ongoing
- Crown governments, like-minded organizations, and institutions to support interested First Nations in implementing this action.
d)Develop a BC First Nations Green Jobs Plan to increase First Nations participation in BC in green educational programs and to ensure sufficient funding opportunities are available for First Nations to access education.
Immediate
- Crown governments to work in collaboration with First Nations in BC to develop and share this resource. This plan shall include clear indicators and milestones that measure First Nations’ participation in the green work force.
- The FNLC to support First Nations at their request to implement the above.
e)Create opportunities for First Nations to buy licenses (timber forest licenses and/or woodland licenses) in their territories to not only create economic independence, but to also reclaim control to protect and care for the land and its resources.
Ongoing
- Crown governments and entities in the private sector to explore opportunities in line with this action.
f)Apply a First Nations lens to economic analysis and measurement, using holistic indicators in decision-making processes.
- Example: BCAFN Discussion Paper: Centering First Nations Concepts of Wellbeing. Toward a GDP-Alternative Index in British Columbia.
Ongoing
- Crown governments and like-minded organizations to collaborate with interested First Nations in BC to implement this action.