Henvey leadership encouraged by climate change meeting

By Joey Krackle

Some leaders of the Anishinabek Nation are very encouraged by the Prime Minister’s commitment to meet with Indigenous leaders on March 2 to discuss developing a “pan-Canadian framework” to grow the economy while meeting emission reduction targets. This historic event marks the first time our national leadership has been consulted by the Prime Minister prior to a meeting with Premiers on such a major issue affecting Canada’s future.

Many First Nations in the Anishinabek territory have already taken steps in producing green energy as a way to combat climate change.

Chief Wayne McQuabbie says his community Henvey Inlet First Nation partnered with a private company to build the largest wind farm on a First Nation in Canada.

“This is a major development in the field of green energy in Canada which will directly benefit our membership and the economy of the surrounding region,” says McQuabbie. “We look forward to construction, operation and a promising future. We hope our project will inspire other First Nations and all Canadians to take further steps to develop a greener planet in this time of climate change.”
Prime Minister Trudeau stated: “Canada’s Indigenous peoples have a sacred relationship with the Earth. Their unique perspective will help guide us in developing policies that ensure our land, air and water are protected for future generations,”

During the 2009 and 2011 Anishinabek consultations on the Mining Act Anishinabek Leadership and Citizens strongly recommended the need for environmental stewardship, the need for the protection of water and the need for respecting Traditional Anishinabek Knowledge

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde attended the COP21 Climate Change Conference and emphasized that First Nations practice environmental stewardship.

“Indigenous people could help shape Canada’s environmental policies and guide society’s move toward renewable energy and green technology, which are in tune with indigenous philosophies of caring for the earth,” says  Bellegarde.