Indigenous Voices on Climate Change: Lost in translation?

 
The Problem: Have you ever noticed how news stories about Indigenous land rights rarely connect them to the bigger picture of climate change? Scientific researchers have already concluded that Indigenous Traditional Knowledge is essential to the climate challenge, so why does the media represent Indigenous land rights as a conflict between “us” and “them”?

What's Missing? Indigenous communities across Canada are on the front lines of climate change. Their traditional ways of life are deeply connected to the land. They're the first to witness the devastating impacts of a toxic chemical spills, water contamination, warming temperatures, extreme weather, and other consequences of human-made climate change. They have personal and practical knowledge and insights to share with us, but their voices get lost in the media. Their stories and experiences are subsumed by the politics of ownership.

Why Does it Matter? If we’re going to take action to address climate change, we need to listen to those on the front lines of the issue. The people who have the most direct stake in the future of Canada’s natural landscapes. Indigenous perspectives and communities offer Canadians critical early warnings that can guide us towards solutions that benefit everyone. It’s time to tune in and start listening.