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Hamilton Spectator
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Funding announced for Mi'kmaq climate change initiatives in Cape Breton
MEMBERTOU - Mi'kmaw knowledge and tradition will spearhead the development of a climate change action plan over the next two years based on action priorities identified by five Cape Breton First Nation communities. Provincial funding of $893,750 for the initiative was announced in Membertou Tuesday by L'nu Affairs Minister, Leah Martin, on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman. The funds will go to the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR) for use in the five Cape Breton First Nation communities of Eskasoni; Membertou; Potlotek; Wagmatcook; and We'koqma'q. 'This is about building solutions that are rooted in Mi'kmaq ways of knowing and putting local communities in the loop,' Martin said. 'Climate change affects us all, but not all communities are impacted in the same way – that's why we are proud to support Mi'kmaq-led climate action that reflects Indigenous knowledge, priorities and ways of knowing. 'By working together in the spirit of Etuaptmumk – 'two-eyed seeing' – we can build a more resilient, equitable future for everyone in Nova Scotia.' Martin said: 'when we lean into the knowledge around us through Indigenous communities, we're in a good place.' 'Part of the reason we formed the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources, is because we are really concerned about the state of our climate and we have all of the Island in our thoughts,' Paul said. He expressed concern about the future of the Bras d'or Lakes system and said all the chiefs are 100 per cent behind the work of the institute. He said sustainability is a high priority. 'Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our communities, and it requires solutions that are grounded in who we are as Mi'kmaq people. This investment supports our ability to lead with our knowledge, our values and our vision for the future. I commend the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources for continuing to bring our communities together to take action — for the land, the water and the next generations,' the Chief said. According to a press release, the UINR will use the funding to: UINR executive director, Lisa Young, stressed the importance of working in partnership to deal with climate change challenges. 'Our values and belief systems inform what we do and, more importantly, inform why we do things in a way that's mindful of the land and our relationships with land,' Young said. 'We look forward to working with the province and our many partners to develop approaches to climate change that are rooted in Mi'kmaq ways of knowing and being. Applying a Mi'kmaq lens helps us all work toward a more resilient Unama'ki.' LOCAL COMMUNITIES LEADING Article content Minister Martin had some thoughts about the importance of the UINR and local Mi'kmaq communities leading the project. Article content 'I think when you listen to community, that's what you hear from community. And I feel that community puts forward exactly what it wants to see and have happen. And so I feel whole and grateful when we're able to do that and provide funding to support Indigenous-led approaches,' she said. 'I take a lot of peace in the ancestors and in two-eyed seeing. I feel we're doing exactly that and listening to community. It's a really happy place to be.' Lisa Young said she feels there's a lot of excitement about that prospect of the project being Indigenous led. 'We speak many times to our elders and we know ourselves that Mi'kmaq traditional knowledge and belief systems hold the key to moving forward to addressing a lot of our environmental concerns,' she said. 'Just given the knowledge that indigenous peoples have stewarded these lands successfully for millions of years based on those beliefs and knowledge system is good. We look forward to having space to explore what that looks like in a modern-day context and how we can improve on how we approach things like climate change using that lens is a very exciting prospect and we're very hopeful.' The funding is being provided through Nova Scotia's climate change plan, 'Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia's Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth.' Article content QUICK FACTS Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources in Cape Breton will receive $800K to help with climate initiatives
Eskasoni Mi'kmaw Nation is one of five Mi'kmaw communities in Cape Breton (Unama'ki). (Source: Province of Nova Scotia) The Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR) in Cape Breton has received more than $800,000 to fund climate adaptation. The UINR will use $893,750 towards climate action rooted in Mi'kmaw knowledge, community priorities and culturally relevant approaches, said a news release from the province. The funding is provided through Nova Scotia's climate change plan, Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia's Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth. Leah Martin, minister of L'nu Affairs, made the announcement on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman on Tuesday. 'Climate change affects us all, but not all communities are impacted in the same way – that's why we are proud to support Mi'kmaq-led climate action that reflects Indigenous knowledge, priorities and ways of knowing,' said Minister Martin. 'By working together in the spirit of Etuaptmumk – two-eyed seeing – we can build a more resilient, equitable future for everyone in Nova Scotia.' The UINR will use the funding to: - develop a climate change action plan for the five Mi'kmaw communities in Cape Breton- hire a Mi'kmaw climate change co-ordinator and project assistant- create education materials in English and Mi'kmaw founded on Mi'kmaw knowledge- develop a climate change monitoring program using culturally relevant indicators- advance community-identified climate action priorities 'Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our communities, and it requires solutions that are grounded in who we are as Mi'kmaq people,' Chief Terry Paul, CEO, Membertou First Nation. 'This investment supports our ability to lead with our knowledge, our values and our vision for the future. I commend the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources for continuing to bring our communities together to take action — for the land, the water and the next generations.' The UNIR represents the five Mi'kmaw First Nation communities in Cape Breton (Unama'ki): Eskasoni, Membertou, Potlotek, Wagmatcook and We'koqma'q. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
