In a significant move towards inclusive and collaborative climate action, Canada is partnering with Indigenous Peoples from around the world to support three new projects that will help build climate resilience in vulnerable regions. The announcement was made on June 21, 2025, by Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), in collaboration with Indigenous partners.
This partnership marks a major step forward in Canada's commitment to working with Indigenous Peoples to tackle the climate crisis. According to Sarai, "The collaborative effort of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world—working together with governments and organizations—is a powerful example of how we can unite in the face of the current climate crisis." The projects will be designed and implemented in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada and Indigenous Peoples abroad.
The three new initiatives are:
Our Collective Futures: Indigenous Peoples Partnering for Lands and Waters. This project will strengthen climate resilience centering on the needs of Indigenous Peoples and their self-determined priorities for climate and biodiversity action. It will be done through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building to develop and implement climate solutions, increasing access to these solutions for Indigenous Peoples, particularly women and youths.
The Indigenous Climate Action Partnership. This project aims to increase the climate resilience of Indigenous Peoples in developing countries by fostering partnerships, shared learning and mutual support in climate adaptation work and advocacy skills. It will highlight Indigenous-led nature-based solutions through learning experiences on the land and connect Indigenous leaders around the world.
A World of Wahkohtowin. This initiative will collaborate with Indigenous Peoples in Colombia and Zambia to co-create culturally relevant climate adaptation strategies that are deeply connected to the identities of the Nations and Peoples involved. Rooted in the value of wahkohtowin, a Cree word meaning kinship and interconnectedness, this work emphasizes the importance of building respectful, reciprocal relationships across Nations.
The Government of Canada's contribution to these projects is $1.7 million for each project, with a total funding commitment of $5.3 billion from 2021 to 2026. These projects support Canada's commitment in implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
"This announcement is being made during Canada’s National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and honour the rich histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as deepen our understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world," said Sarai.
The partnership with Indigenous Peoples on climate is an exciting development in Canada's international development efforts. By supporting Indigenous-led projects and partnerships, Canada is taking a major step towards inclusive and collaborative climate action.
Conclusion:
Canada's partnership with Indigenous Peoples to support climate resilience in developing countries marks a significant step forward in the country's commitment to tackling the climate crisis. The three new initiatives announced today will help build climate resilience and support climate action by Indigenous Peoples in South America, Africa and the Indo-Pacific region.