Indigenous Guardians and Natural Climate Solutions: Elevating Youth Voices and Mobilizing Knowledge

In recent years, increasing attention has been directed to “natural climate solutions” (NCS). In practice, Indigenous Peoples have been implementing NCS for millennia through sustainable land stewardship. Recent collaborative research with Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. explored the question: what opportunities could NCS enable, including and beyond carbon sequestration, if rooted in Indigenous guardianship? The exploratory research suggests that – while support for Indigenous-led NCS is, first and foremost, about rights – Indigenous Guardians appear well-placed to advance a holistic approach to NCS with multifaceted aims including biodiversity protection, cultural revitalization, and economic development, among other possibilities. This project will continue the earlier exploration and mobilize knowledge to reach key stakeholders and community members, thereby expanding collective awareness and elevating youth voices on climate action and Indigenous guardianship. This will be achieved through ongoing workshops with youth and the development of a co-authored scholarly journal article, policy brief, infographic, youth-led film, and public webinar.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ben Bradshaw

Student:

Partner:

Wahkohtowin Development General Partner Inc.

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Guelph

Program: