Advancing Youth Leadership in Indigenous-Led Natural Climate Solutions in the Missinaibi Forest
When Indigenous rights and leadership are prioritized, Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) like forest carbon management present an opportunity to advance reconciliation while combatting climate change and biodiversity loss. Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. is taking steps to drive NCS in the Missinaibi Forest toward Indigenous-led climate action and social-ecological benefits for its owner First Nations (the Chapleau Cree FN, Missinabie Cree FN and Brunswick House FN). Through participatory engagement activities, this project will explore the question: What are youth and Elders’ values and priorities with respect to NCS? The aim is to support community informed NCS planning and strategic advocacy through a process that promotes youth empowerment and intergenerational knowledge-sharing. We will work with Wahkohtowin’s Guardians Initiative to uplift youth voices and build leadership capacity.