The Assembly of First Nations 3rd National Climate Gathering on Treaty No. 7 Territory opened in Calgary, Canada, on Monday.
The Gathering, under the theme "Catalyzing First Nations Climate and Conservation Leadership for Transformative Change," runs from October 7-10, and is set to be the largest climate gathering hosted by the AFN, with more than 1000 registered delegates.
Assembly National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said this year's gathering is a critical opportunity for First Nations leaders, Elders, youth, women, gender-diverse, and climate advocates to come together, share experiences, and advance the implementation of the AFN National Climate Strategy.
"Last year, we faced the worst wildfire season on record and are continuing to see the impacts of climate change in real time—it's clear that First Nations leadership is vital for creating a just and sustainable future," she said on Tuesday.
"By focusing on self-determined climate action, intergenerational knowledge sharing, and engaging our knowledge into national and global climate strategies, we are reaffirming that First Nations leadership in climate action is not only necessary but essential."
Yukon AFN Regional Chief and Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment, and Water Stewardship, Kluane Adamek, said the AFN 3rd National Climate Gathering will build on the success of the 1st National Climate Gathering held in the territory of Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council in 2020, and the 2nd National Climate Gathering, hosted on the unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi'kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati peoples in Fredericton, New Brunswick, in 2022.
"These two Gatherings, which hosted over 800 participants combined, were critical moments for First Nations to share solutions rooted in our worldviews, urging allies and climate practitioners to 'stand beside and stand behind' the leadership of First Nations," she said.
In October 2023, the Assembly of First Nations launched the National Climate Strategy, endorsed through Resolution 36/2023, Urgent and Transformative Climate Action through the AFN National Climate Strategy.
The strategy prioritises First Nations' rights, self-determination, and knowledge systems in federal, provincial, and territorial climate actions throughout Canada. It promotes First Nations-led solutions to the climate crisis and calls for urgent, transformative action, in line with the first First Nations-in-Assembly Declaration of a First Nations Climate Emergency, passed in July 2019.
The strategy also introduces the First Nations Climate Lens, which emphasizes the connections between Natural Law, First Nations' climate impacts, and broader climate action, positioning First Nations as key leaders in driving meaningful change.
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak said that "for too long", there has been an overemphasis on technological solutions, while overlooking First Nations' contributions and understanding of the climate crisis.
"Real climate solutions must respect our knowledge, rights, and self-determination. I urge all levels of government, institutions, and organisations to support the implementation of the AFN National Climate Strategy and recognise the crucial role First Nations play in addressing the climate crisis," she said.
"I look forward to productive discussions throughout the week and advancing this critical work for the future of our Nations."
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organisation that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
