Nova Scotia Invests in Mi’kmaq-Led Initiatives to Combat Climate Change in Cape Breton

The Nova Scotia government is investing $893,000 in the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources in Cape Breton. This funding aims to support Mi’kmaq-led efforts to tackle climate change.

The Unama’ki Institute will use this money to create plans for monitoring and responding to climate change. According to Lisa Young, the executive director, these plans will be built on Mi’kmaq knowledge, which is crucial for the local communities.

The institute plans to hire a Mi’kmaw climate change coordinator and a project assistant and will also develop educational materials in both Mi’kmaq and English. A key focus will be establishing a monitoring system that uses culturally relevant indicators of climate change.

Membertou First Nation Chief Terry Paul emphasized that climate change is a pressing issue for Mi’kmaq communities. He believes solutions should reflect their knowledge and values.

These initiatives come during a time when climate change is a global concern affecting various communities differently. Recent studies indicate that Indigenous communities are often disproportionately impacted by climate extremes. This funding is a step towards building resilience in Mi’kmaq communities, making their traditional knowledge vital in addressing these challenges.

For more information on climate impacts, you can explore resources from the Government of Canada.

In a world where climate challenges are growing, the actions taken today by the Unama’ki Institute could set a precedent for how communities worldwide incorporate Indigenous knowledge in their environmental strategies.

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Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, Environment