Final Assignment Jan. 1, 2024

1. Introduction

Why is the climate crisis continuing to worsen? Why is there “a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all” (IPCC, 2023, p. 24)? Why are Indigenous people and climate justice groups declaring COP28 as yet another “business as usual” meeting with “disgraceful,” wealthy oil and gas nations being the “clear winners” over developing countries suffering from climate impacts (Lakhani, 2023)? 

After almost three years studying the root causes of climate change and potential solutions, my answer to these difficult questions is now clear: different values and worldviews are preventing us from coming together on solutions. Each of the leaders at COP is arguing for what they think is ‘right’ or ‘fair’ based on their own beliefs and culture. 

In this blog, I explore how Western worldviews have led to climate change. I contrast these with Indigenous worldviews and conclude that Reconciliation and Indigenous leadership is a solution to the climate crisis. I give some practical examples of how to do this from my perspective as a non-Indigenous climate action leader.

2. Disclaimer and Intent

I recognize I am posing these questions and offering solutions as a non-Indigenous person that still has much to learn about Reconciliation and Indigenous worldview; I am not trying to speak as an expert on Indigenous values. I grew up in a typical, white, privileged, settler culture and have worked on environmental issues in Alberta for 25 years. However, before I started the Royal Roads University Master of Arts in Climate Action Leadership (MACAL) program, I had never explored in detail how colonialism has led to the climate crisis and the differences in values and worldviews between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

In the MACAL program, I have assessed my own climate leadership values and goals. My values include fairness, openness and healthy ecosystems. My leadership goal is to use my voice to help others transform so our children’s children can not only survive the climate crisis, but thrive as part of a more inclusive, healthy society. Therefore, my intent is to share my reflections to build understanding amongst non-Indigenous professionals in a good way. 

3. Western Worldview: The Root Cause of Climate Change

Coming into the MACAL program, I wondered about the real problem behind climate change. I understood the causes as defined by Western science: high levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from fossil fuel generation and transportation, over consumption and deforestation. I recognized the complexity of the systems creating these causes and why climate change is labeled as a wicked problem. However, as a settler, I did not fully understand why Western decision-makers and politicians continue to make choices that perpetuate the problem. 

I have now learned the elements of a Western worldview and how this has led to the climate crisis. A traditionally Western or colonial worldview is capitalistic, extractivist, skeptical and based on a historically patriarchal, hierarchical system. In this worldview, wealth is acquired for personal gain and the land is available for the benefit of humans (Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. (ICTI), 2022). Spirituality is diminished by skepticism because the truth is determined by science and requires proof (ICTI, 2022). “Ideas are made real” by the dominant system of knowledge, culture, power structures and views about human nature (Tuhiwai Smith, 2012, p. 93). “The West,” as a system, prioritizes Western knowledge and minimizes Indigenous knowledge, creating its own cultural “force field” ensuring “Western interests remain dominant” (Tuhiwai Smith, 2012, p. 100).   

Eriel Tchekwie Deranger is a Dënesųłiné mother from the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and the Executive Director and co-founder of Indigenous Climate Action. In a recent Royal Roads webinar, she explained the root causes of climate change as colonialism, extractivism and white supremacy because they have led to imbalanced earth systems, species extinction and a damaged relationship with the land. She advocates for Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty over water, land, energy and food as the solution to climate change (Deranger, 2023).  I agree with her solution.

4. Indigenous Worldview: The Solution to Climate Change

Graeme Reed is a strategic advisor to the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). He commented about their recently-released National Climate Strategy, saying the AFN is “…concerned about addressing the root cause of the climate crisis, which is an extractive mentality centered on taking without giving back to the world around us” (Reed, 2023 as cited in Cimellaro, 2023).  

The new AFN strategy defines First Nations Worldview as, “the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual interconnection to the land and to others (family, communities and nations) (AFN, 2023, p. 10).” The strategy outlines the concept of a First Nations Climate Lens (see Figure 1) as the actions that are needed on the climate crisis. It says,

“Circle 2: Action – First Nations-led solutions are multidimensional, interrelated, interconnected, and grounded in First Nations spiritualities, legal systems, knowledges, languages, and governances. The core of a First Nations worldview is an understanding that we are one with the Land. This recognition lays the foundation for a set of legal principles and orders that, while unique to each individual First Nation, represent natural, spiritual, and environmental law. It is this sacred responsibility that continues to guide how First Nations interact with, protect, and respect Mother Earth” (AFN, 2023, p. 21).

This Climate Lens is what is needed by all leaders making decisions on climate action. It will allow for the prioritization of Earth systems over capitalism and bring in new knowledges and ways of knowing to help make decisions in the best interest of communities and ecosystems.

Figure 1: A First Nations Climate Lens 

Source: AFN National Climate Strategy (p. 20). The Lens is made up of four circles with Circle 2 focusing on a First Nations’ Worldview as the basis for required climate actions. It was designed by Eruoma Awashish who is an Atikamekw Nehirowisiw mother and artist.

I had the good fortune to discuss with Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett Huson) his presentation for the 2023 ClimateWest Forum. He taught me that the word “knowledges” is pluralized on purpose, and that “…there is not one knowledges system. Nor is there one way of knowing the world. They’re not perspectives” (B. Huson, personal communication, April 25, 2023). In his talk at the recent ICLEI Liveable Cities Forum this fall, Hetxw’ms Gyetxw explained how Indigenous peoples are united by their “reverence for the land” and how Indigenous leaders would therefore give more priority to the land than the current government “gatekeepers” (Hetxw’ms Gyetxw, 2023). He shared how his worldview has been shaped by growing up in a matriarchal decision-making structure. Here, Chiefs are the “face of the decision-makers;” the matriarchs address the community’s questions by consulting a broad group of knowledge keepers on multiple topics including ecology, law, engineering and science – they do not compartmentalize when making decisions (Hetxw’ms Gyetxw, 2023). This is the type of decision-making that is required to address climate issues.

I also recently had the privilege of hearing Elder Heather Poitras give a blessing to a meeting of climate leaders in Edmonton. She explained Indigenous values of reciprocity and relationship as a recognition of “the spirituality of all living things” and how “each day is a gift.” She described ceremony as a way of respecting and recognizing that humans depend on nature (Elder H. Poitras, personal communication, November 8, 2023). 

When it comes to climate change, Indigenous values and worldview are clear opposites of the Western worldview. In Table 1, I have contrasted these two worldviews and make the connection between Indigenous worldview and climate change solutions. The Indigenous worldview applied to climate decision-making is inclusive and gives priority to Community, Nature and Spirit; this is exactly what is required to address the complex problem of climate change. Therefore, Reconciliation and uplifting of Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty are solutions to the climate crisis. 

It should be noted that Indigenous Worldview, values, and Indigeneity is not limited to North America. For example, similar values and leadership philosophies such as interconnectedness and respect for all living things and communal ontologies are found in Buddhism, Hinduism, African Ubuntu and Chinese Confucianism (Elkington and Tuleja, 2018).

Table 1:  Contrasting Western Worldview and Root Causes of Climate Change with Indigenous Worldview and Climate Change Solutions 

Western Worldview	Associated Root Cause of Climate Change	Indigenous Worldview	Associated Solution for Climate Change
Colonialism, White Supremacy	Dominate other cultures	Decolonization, Reconciliation, Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty	Inclusivity, consideration and respect for others’ beliefs and values
Extractivism, Humans over  Nature	Deforestation, increased greenhouse gas emissions, imbalanced Earth systems	Respect for the land, reciprocity, gratitude and interconnectedness (Kimmerer, 2014)	Prioritization of nature over development, recognition that human life depends on nature
Patriarchal hierarchies	Identity based on power, recognition, seek influence over others Success determined by goal achievement (ICTI, 2022)	Identity comes from connections (ICTI, 2022), kinship and relationships are of highest value, “People over Process” (J. Brooks, personal communication, February 23, 2023)Prioritize success of community as a whole	Prioritize relationships with the land and each other  Consensus decision-making that considers multiple knowledges, shared authority Solutions focused on healthy ecosystems, people and communities
Linear Thinking, Science and Proof	Compartmentalization of societal issues such as health and economy Hyper-focus on measurement and technology e.g. carbon capture Short-term view, linear definition of time	Holistic approach to health, circular systems including economy, all systems are related Value multiple knowledges and believe results without proof  Circular time and seasons (ICTI, 2022),Seventh generation principle.	Decision-makers take a broader view of climate change impacts and proposed actions Higher priority on cumulative effects, ecological indicators, respect for, belief in future projections  The impacts of climate change and effectiveness of actions are assessed far into the future
Capitalism	Prioritize individual wealth, goal is excess Over reliance on market mechanisms e.g. carbon trading	Generating wealth is for the good of the community (ICTI, 2022), goal is moderation	Focus on community health and living together in harmony, resources go further
Skeptical, one truth, no trust in individual experiences,no belief in metaphysical or higher being	Prioritize economy and statistics as opposed to achievement of a higher reward  Choose individual ‘success’ over helping other people or the environment, selfishness	Respect for individual experiences, curiosity Hold land and ecology as sacred, spirituality, many truths  Higher reward for giving back to land and others	Respect for all perspectives and knowledges are of value in decision- making, less climate injustice, more equity, help for poorer countriesHealthy ecosystems and healthy communities are the future goals and rewards for today

5. Practical Actions for Non-Indigenous Climate Leaders to Contribute to Reconciliation and to Encourage Decision-Making Based on Indigenous Worldview

a. Uphold Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty. 

• Heed the calls to “safeguard the inherent, Treaty and constitutionally protected rights of First Nations” (Assembly of First Nations, 2023, p. 3).
• Support Indigenous sovereignty initiatives. Talk about this with Indigenous and Non-Indigenous decision-makers. Share examples of food, energy and water sovereignty. 
• Attend Indigenous events.

b. Support the promotion of Indigenous people into leadership positions.

• In the Breath of Life Theory (Blackstock, 2011) leadership is focussed on the good of the community as opposed to individual success. Effective leadership is “measured by how low leaders are on the Totem pole, because that is where leaders need to be to lift the community up” (Blackstock, 2011 as cited in Bishop, 2023, 39:17) by helping those with the most need.
• Vote for Indigenous politicians.

c. Bring in more Indigenous knowledges into the organization. Build ongoing relationships with local Indigenous communities.

• Employ Indigenous staff and hire Indigenous advisors. Aim for the same proportion of Indigenous staff as in the general population e.g. 7% in Alberta (M. Lickers, personal communication, June 1, 2023).
• Develop long-term relationships between the organization and Indigenous community members. Review organizational files to build on past relationships. Shift from transactional consultation (project-by-project) to a relational consultation; ask yourself, how will we work together in the community over the next seven generations? (J. Brooks, personal communication, February 16, 2023).
• Seek advice from Knowledge Keepers on specific topics.

e. Prioritize time spent with Elders and Youth.

• Elders have a different responsibility than Indigenous advisors or Knowledge Keepers. “They are gentle. They are the ones that remind you what you are doing wrong” (Lickers, 2023).  Elders teach us to be accepting of what has happened and to look back on it as a learning opportunity (Elder H. Poitras, personal communication, November 7, 2023).
• Elders rely upon their years of experience and connection to the land, local and specialized observations that take place on the ground in each specific place including changes in weather patterns and behavior of animals (AFN, 2020). “First Nations are uniquely positioned to make these observations based not only on our connection to the land, but because the connections typically go back to time immemorial and are passed on by Elders and knowledge keepers to future generations. We must honour this knowledge and, if the present day climate crises teaches us anything, recognize that we ignore it at our peril” (Assembly of First Nations, 2020, p. 22).
• When discussing climate change, Youth will provide the perspective that must be considered; they will help others see the future (Elder H. Poitras, personal communication, November 7, 2023).
• Celebrate successful Youth leadership. For example, the Reconnection Vision recognizes “the dominant approach to climate action is to treat the symptoms of climate change (e.g., rising carbon dioxide emissions) rather than the root causes—Disconnected relationships” and uses Indigenous principles that guide people to “nurture their whole selves (spiritual, emotional, physical, mental), so they can transform how they make decisions that shape our society” (Climate Action Fellowship, 2023). 

e. Train leadership and staff.

• Leaders should understand the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC’s) Calls to Action (TRC, 2023), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and Action Plan (Government of Canada, 2023), Intellectual Property Rights and the Protection of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Expressions in Canada and the First Nations principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP®). 
• As per Call to Action #57 and #92, train public servants and management staff on Indigenous history and culture, residential schools, treaties and Aboriginal-Crown relations (TRC, 2023).
• Allow time for staff to take part in local Reconciliation events, especially on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 
• Expand the traditional definition of training to include time to be in person with Indigenous peoples. It is best to go and sit with a community (J. Brooks, personal communication, February 23, 2023).

f. Deeply listen to Indigenous stories and encourage storytelling among Indigenous and non-Indigneous people of all generations.

• “Indigenous storytelling is a way to instill a knowledge of the mind, body, and soul in connection to the Earth” and “The life lessons brought about in Indigenous storytelling are essential for Indigenous peoples to make sense of the world and to teach about values, history, significant events, relationships, cultural beliefs, and sacred stories” (Jesse S., 2018). 
• Stories are remembered longer because of neuropathways in our brain (Deranger, 2023). Telling stories about climate change is a way to change “how people see the problem” (Lickers, M., Personal Communication, 15 December 2021).

g. Get outdoors.

• Spend time alone with nature. Reflect on how you feel when making connections.
• Talk about your local observations and experiences outdoors.
• Promote outdoor classrooms, events, retreats and and incorporate outdoor components to business meetings. 

h. Provide financial compensation in return for Indigenous participation in processes and provision of knowledges. Fund Indigenous initiatives.

• Acknowledge that the weaving of Indigenous knowledges is an additional responsibility on individuals already “carrying heavy burdens of duty” (Tuhiwai Smith, 2012, p.  235) and provide appropriate compensation.
• Recognize that Western processes privilege the written text (Tuhiwai Smith, 2012) and make use of visuals, oral stories, art, music and other alternative communication tools as requested by the community.
• Tailor the process to the context, engaging the local Indigenous community on the design of the process itself.
• Do not make funding prescriptive. Ask what is needed. Be creative. Find the interesting linkages and utilize existing processes so as not to create competing processes. Many Indigenous organizations already have climate portfolios (J. Brooks, personal communication, February 23, 2023). 

Conclusion

When I consider the progress that has been made in the last few years on respecting Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty and understanding Indigenous Worldview, I am hopeful for the future. I have observed an improvement in levels of awareness and commitment by various levels of government and organizations, marked by new programs, funding, events and recognition of Truth and Reconciliation. Consider the difference in your community between the inaugural National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in 2022 compared to the second annual Day in 2023. 

We still have a long way to go in overcoming deeply ingrained Western worldviews and processes. Respecting Indigenous leadership and prioritizing Indigenous values when making decisions will help us tackle the root causes of climate change in order to “secure a livable and sustainable future for all” (IPCC, 2023). 

In October 2023, Manitoba elected its first Annishinabe premier, Wab Kinew. This is inspiring and hopeful to see Canadians recognizing the need for change. I look forward to more Indigenous leadership in Canada and will continue to advocate for Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty as the solution to climate change.

References

Assembly of First Nations (AFN). (2023). Assembly of First Nations National Climate Strategy. https://afn.bynder.com/m/77556e1d9da51db7/original/2023-Climate-Strategy-Report.pdf.

Assembly of First Nations. (2020). National Climate Gathering Report. Driving Change, Leading Solutions. https://afn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Climate_Gathering_Report_ENG.pdf.

Bishop, K. (2023, April). Barrett’s seven level model, values and leadership development  [Narrated PowerPoint]. Moodle.

Blackstock, C. (2011). The emergence of the breath of life theory. Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 8(1). https://www.jswve.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/10-008-109-JSWVE-2011.pdf

Cimellaro, M. (2023, October 19). Assembly of First Nations Releases National Climate Strategy. Canada’s National Observer. https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/10/19/news/first-nations-climate-strategy-rooted-traditions

Climate Action Fellowship. (2023). Reconnection Vision. https://reconnection.vision/#hero.

Deranger, E. (2023, Dec. 4). Keynote Presentation [Panel discussion led by Dr. Shauneen Pete].  Indigenous Climate Action: Decolonizing Solutions Webinar. Royal Roads. https://www.royalroads.ca/events/indigenous-climate-action-decolonizing-solutions

Elkington, R., & Tuleja, E. (2018). How the communal philosophies of Ubuntu in Africa and Confucius thought in China might enrich the western notion of leadership. Global and Culturally Diverse Leaders and Leadership (Building Leadership Bridges). Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, p. 63-81. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/S2058-880120170000003004/full/html

Government of Canada. (2023). Implementing the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/declaration/index.html.

Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett Huson). (2023, Sept. 20). The Power of Relationships in Storytelling: Weaving Indigenous Ways of Knowing in Local Climate Action. [Panel discussion with Jennifer Angel, Evergreen]. ICLEI Livable Cities Forum. Mississauga, ON, Canada. https://livablecitiesforum.com/.

IPCC. (2023). Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report.Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, H. Lee and J. Romero (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, pp. 1-34, doi: 10.59327/IPCC/AR6-9789291691647.001. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/

Jesse S. (2018). History and Future of the Book 2018. English 204 Class Blog. https://sites.usask.ca/historyofthebook2018/2018/09/22/the-power-of-indigenous-storytelling/

Kimmerer, R. (2014). Returning the gift. Minding Nat. 2014;7(2):18–24. https://www.turtlelodge.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Kimmerer-Returning-the-Gift.pdf

Lakhani, N. (2023, December 13). Indigenous people and climate justice groups say Cop28 was ‘business as usual.’ Developing countries call agreement to transition away from fossil fuels ‘unfair’ and ‘inequitable.’The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/13/indigenous-people-and-climate-justice-groups-say-cop28-was-business-as-usual

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). (2015). Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada : calls to action.: IR4-8/2015E-PDF – Government of Canada Publications – Canada.ca

Tuhiwai Smith, L. (2012). Decolonizing methodologies: Research and Indigenous peoples (2nd edition). Zed Books. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/royalroads-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1426837.