Indigenous Nations Key to Achieving Climate & Nature Goals of Throne Speech
INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
Ottawa: Tues. November 23, 2021: In the speech from the throne delivered by Governor General Mary Simon, the Government of Canada renewed its commitment to working in partnership with Indigenous Nations to address biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change.
Valérie Courtois, Director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, made the following statement:
“The Indigenous Leadership Initiative welcomes the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Indigenous peoples to protect the lands and waters we all depend on.”
“Indigenous Peoples are already at the forefront of sustaining biodiversity. Across the country, the biggest, most visionary plans for protecting lands are led by Indigenous Nations. Now Canada has the opportunity to catch up to and recognize our ambitions. By working together, we can protect healthy lands, make communities more resilient, and build a more equitable future.”
“We celebrate the historic moment of having Governor General Mary Simon—an Inuk leader and the first Indigenous person to hold the position—open Parliament. Governor General Simon has been a champion of Indigenous Protected Areas and Guardians and their power to revitalize culture and sustain healthy lands for all people.”
Media Contact: Sean Durkan: sean.sda.inc@rogers.com (613-851-2151)
Nuxalk Guardian Watchmen. Photo credit: ’Qátuw̓as Brown
