Since Grey Owl a century ago, people of European descent have falsely claimed to be Indigenous for personal gain or a sense of absolution, but one Métis legal expert says it would take a psychiatrist to try to fully answer, "why?"
The NDP wants to see increased funding for housing for Indigenous Peoples on and off reserve, greater accountability for MMIWG2S+, and more funding for climate resiliency.
From legislative chambers to classrooms, and on the radio and TV, Indigenous languages are spoken and heard every day across the North thanks to dedicated elders, teachers, translators and broadcasters.
For a long time, Indigenous Peoples remained isolated and disempowered in the “straitjacket” of nation states, but because of global Indigenous organizing, there's been change.
For the first time in over 100 years, Kukpi7 (Chief) Hillary Adam of the Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation can now walk freely across a vast swath of his people's traditional territory.
It's unclear if free, prior and informed consent or Indigenous rights and title will make it into the final text at COP15. Either way, Indigenous Peoples will continue to do the work that makes biodiversity thrive.
An energy-focused think tank says Indigenous energy sovereignty in Canada's North is "absolutely critical and fundamental" to addressing climate change, but more support is needed.
Over the next week of negotiations, battles remain over targets around Indigenous sovereignty and self-governance, and free prior and informed consent. Will the message of the march be heard by COP negotiators?
