First Nations Environmental Stewardship Session

1. First Nations Environmental Stewardship Session Key messages

2. The Goal of the Action Plan • The development and implementation of an approach to environmental stewardship/management/care that is: • First Nations designed and controlled; • Holistic; and • Reflective of the diversity of FN cultures and knowledge. • Environmental stewardship supports the protection and recognition of the rights of all creation

3. Overall Vision • Calling on our traditions, we care for the land and the land cares for us. • Healthy lands and waters create healthy people. • The Land is the source of wealth. • We don’t own the land we belong to the land First Nations have the responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. • There must be a balance between the economy and the protection of the land, air and water – all of creation has value

4. Foundation for Environmental Stewardship • Inherent right of First Nations to determine and freely pursue self-government including environmental stewardship. • This right is recognized in 41 international laws.

5. Jurisdiction key messages • First Nations want recognition of their jurisdiction to manage the ways humans use the land and resources within their territories including water and air.

6. Jurisdiction key messages • We will act on our own behalf, through the consideration and incorporation of our own knowledge and our ways of doing and being. We will use traditional and international laws within our own nations. • Governments must honour and act upon their fiduciary obligations to First Nations as they apply to the environment and industry must comply with First Nations jurisdiction over industrial use.

7. Jurisdiction key messages • Our process of assuming jurisdiction over environmental stewardship will include: • education, consultation and consent • use of new technologies to develop new tools • Exchanges between First Nations. • We recognize that we have to work in partnership as equals with, and sensitize other governments (Canadian and non-Canadian governments), industry, andEnvironmental Non-government Organizations • We also have to work with and sensitize our communities.

8. Sustainability key messages • There must be the full and effective participation of First Nations in any decision affecting resources including development, conservation or other purposes • Partnerships, planning, investment; • Control, equity in the land is recognized or negotiated. • Provide resources to ensure full participation so we go to the table as equals.

9. Governments must recognize the capacity First Nations have to address environmental issues in particular our traditional knowledge and make institutional changes in government that give First Nations a recognized role in the institution of decision making

10. Sustainability Key Messages Human Resources • Education for all ages, • Training • Curriculum development • Blend of traditional and modern science • Involvement of Elders, women, youth • Partnerships • Money to hire First Nations personnel • Environmental personnel/champions in each community/tribal council/PTO

11. Sustainability Key Messages Research and Information • Research that drives policy • Sharing of success stories • Intergenerational transfer of knowledge • FN relevant research • Enable First Nations communities to address environmental issues • Need a mechanism to share information, undertake research, link existing environment related initiatives, institutions – ‘a centre without walls’ • Data clearinghouse • Research protocols

12. Sustainability Key messages Tools, equipment, infrastructure • Clean up • Local supply of materials for housing • Waste management • Drinking water and waste water infrastructure • Equipment/tools for assessment, testing, monitoring

13. Terms to develop • Environmental management • Stewardship • Sustainable development • Resources • Enforcement • Compliance • Best practices • Consultation

14. Overall Strategy • Prevention: “Do no harm” • Education and training • Awareness raising and communications • Enable and support individual and community initiatives to care for the environment • Research that drives policy development • Incorporation of traditional knowledge • Develop First Nations legislation and guidelines

15. Overall Strategy • Secure Financial resources • Assessment, protection, and clean up • Enforcement • Enable changes in legislation and more liberal interpretation of existing legislation to meet the needs of First Nations • Need to recognize individual First Nations autonomy and find ways to work together • Harmonize existing laws and/or create new laws to address environmental concerns

16. Overall Strategy • Use treaties, international and domestic law, and the courts to secure recognition of First Nations interests in the environment • Effective compensation to First Nations for the damage that has been done to the land and the resulting negative impacts on First Nations health and well being – including monetary and non-monetary compensation and mitigation of environmental damage • Seize the initiative • First Nations need to work together to protect the environment