Today, Minister of Northern Affairs, Daniel Vandal, along with Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency), Larry Bagnell, highlighted progress on three unique, Indigenous-led projects that are helping communities in Yukon and Northern British Columbia adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.

"These three unique projects are bringing environmental, social and economic benefits to Yukon and Northern British Columbia. By empowering communities in their decision-making and supporting their vision for a green future, people working at the local level are finding solutions to tackle the effects of climate change. The end result will be healthier, more sustainable and resilient communities in the North."

The Honourable Daniel Vandal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Northern Affairs

"Northern First Nations—with their traditional knowledge—immediately understand the dramatic climate changes we are experiencing. They have always been early innovators, leaders and champions of projects to reduce and adapt to these devastating changes."

The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency) and Member of Parliament for Yukon

"We're very proud of this project, the partnership with Tsay Keh Dene Nation and Chu Cho Environmental, and the work by our Citizen, Jewel Davies. The scientific data we received is integral and so is building the capacity within our youth, who will be leading the solutions for climate change into the future."

Haa Shaa du Hen Lynda Dickson

"Many of these sites will be destroyed if cultural materials cannot be recorded and preserved quickly. The project is intended to enhance Taku River Tlingit First Nation's cultural identity and will assist in forming linkages between historic and present use of the traditional territory."

John D Ward, Spokesperson of Taku River Tlingit First Nation

"Assessing the availability of local renewable energy resources through the Selkirk Wind Resource Assessment project represents a significant opportunity to bring environmentally responsible and economically viable clean energy production to the traditional territories of Selkirk First Nation and Yukon. It seeks to develop wind as a winter renewable energy solution to displace Yukon's reliance on imported fossil fuels during our energy peaking winters and to introduce new technology to our citizens that creates jobs, improves resiliency, reduces energy costs, and reduces imported fuels and emissions."

Zachary Fulton, CEO of Selkirk Development Corporation

• The Tsay Keh Dene Nation and the Carcross/Tagish First Nation received $494,192 through the Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program for its Community-Based Climate Monitoring and Research project.

• Through the Climate Change Preparedness in the North program, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation received $145,450 for its Ice Patch Mapping project.

• The Selkirk First Nation received $117,628 through the Northern REACHE program for its Selkirk Wind Resource Assessment project.

• Canada's North is warming at three times the global rate, with significant impacts on shoreline erosion, wildfire risk and permafrost stability. Indigenous Peoples are experiencing its impact on their way of life, which is closely tied to the land and waters. Many communities in the North continue to rely on diesel or other emissions-intensive sources of energy, which not only contribute to climate change but are also costly and polluting.

• As part of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has invested $134 million in more than 670 unique projects in northern communities for initiatives that monitor and assess climate change impacts, improve green energy infrastructure, and engage Indigenous communities on climate policy.

• Building on these investments, Budget 2021 proposes $40.4 million over three years, starting in 2021–22, to support the feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North to help communities transition to clean energy and reduce their reliance on diesel and other emissions-intensive sources of energy.

• Budget 2021 also proposes to provide $25 million in 2021–22 to the Government of Yukon to support its climate change priorities, in collaboration with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Associated links

• Climate Change in Indigenous and Northern Communities
• Tsay Keh Dene and Carcross/Tagish – Community Based Climate Monitoring
• Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change
• Taku River Tlingit First Nation

For more information, media may contact:

Antoine Tremblay
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Daniel Vandal
Minister of Northern Affairs
819-953-1153

Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca

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