June 21, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Indigenous Peoples have a strong connection to the natural world, and their leadership is key in tackling climate change. That is why Canada is committed to working in true partnership with Indigenous Peoples for inclusive and collaborative climate action by supporting Indigenous-led projects and Indigenous leadership on climate resilience here at home and in the most vulnerable regions of the world.

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), in collaboration with Indigenous partners, announced $5.1 million in federal funding over 2 years to support 3 new Indigenous-led initiatives that will help build climate resilience and support climate action by Indigenous Peoples in South America, Africa and the Indo-Pacific region. These initiatives will be designed and implemented in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada and Indigenous Peoples abroad.

The new projects are as follows:

Our Collective Futures: Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Lands and Waters: The Assembly of First Nations will partner with Indigenous Peoples in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen climate resilience centering on the needs of Indigenous Peoples and their self-determined priorities for climate and biodiversity action. This will be done through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building to develop and implement climate solutions and will increase access to these solutions for Indigenous Peoples, in particular women and youths, who are disproportionately affected by climate change. This project builds on local efforts led by the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact.

The Indigenous Climate Action Partnership: The Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada) will aim to increase the climate resilience of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries by fostering partnerships, shared learning and mutual support in climate adaptation work and advocacy skills. The project will highlight Indigenous-led nature-based solutions through learning experiences on the land and connect Indigenous leaders around the world.

A World of Wahkohtowin: The Métis National Council will collaborate with Indigenous Peoples in Colombia and Zambia to co-create culturally relevant climate adaptation strategies that are deeply connected to the identities of the Nations and Peoples involved.  Rooted in the value of wahkohtowin— a Cree word meaning kinship and interconnectedness—this work emphasizes the importance of building respectful, reciprocal relationships across Nations. The initiative aims to reduce poverty by safeguarding the livelihoods and resources that Indigenous communities depend on while also supporting gender equality and on-site learning.

This announcement is being made during Canada’s National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and honour the rich histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as deepen our understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world.