Executive Summary

Indigenous lands and waters are under attack every day from resource extraction projects such as pipelines, mining, logging and infrastructure. Many Indigenous communities are fighting against these projects, but the Canadian government and non-Indigenous stakeholders are continuing to push them on Indigenous communities. Therefore, what is happening here? Colonialism is ongoing in Canada and has been ongoing for centuries – the Canadian government and non-Indigenous people continue to impose their will on Indigenous people. This colonial relationship results in structures of exclusion, marginalization and silencing of Indigenous people.

The land is not a source of profit for First Nations peoples. McGregor explains that “the land has represented the heart of our knowledge, language, culture, laws, and livelihood since time immemorial” (McGregor, 2018). The land is culturally, spiritually, socially and ecologically significant and our knowledge, beliefs and practices are developed on the principle of a mutual respect, balance and care for all living things.

We all know that the protection of our Earth is global issue and concern. So, who protects the Earth? The indigenous people. They are a minority group, who constitute less than 5% of the world population, but they have care and manage an area between 20-25% of the Earth’s surface much of which is characterized by high biodiversity and great fragility and sensitivity (United Nations, 2021).

Canada has made great strides for the environment and species of other countries and has become a leader in the world of conservation abroad. However, there is still much work to be done at home. As of 2024, less than 14% of Canada’s land and sea is protected and conserved. To achieve our 2030 target of protecting 30% of Canada's terrestrial areas and inland waters, we need to make significant progress (Environment and Climate Change, 2024). Canada must also further consider its own environmental needs as well as those of its Indigenous peoples.

Environmental injustice and Colonial History

For many years Indigenous peoples have been advocating for the acknowledgment of the injustices faced by land removal and environmental justice. As McGregor (2018) explains, "One of the most significant challenges that Indigenous peoples in Canada have faced since the arrival of European colonizers is the systematic loss of their lands to make way for European settlement and resource development.”

All the current environmental conflicts that affect indigenous peoples are a new stage of colonialism. This is a historical process that has not yet finished. Most of the environmental activities that affect the territory, water resources, forests, and lands of indigenous peoples are carried out without the participation of the indigenous peoples. The projects are imposed from above and are implemented in the lands of the affected communities that reject them. Now the indigenous peoples have to face a new stage of invasions.

Nothing has changed. McGregor (2018) states that “Indigenous peoples have been excluded from participation in decisions that impact their lives and lands throughout Canadian history.” Indigenous peoples are still being excluded from UN bodies deciding their future. They are still being treated as stakeholders in the UN, not as rights holding self-determining governments and peoples with sovereignty over their lands and territories.

Importance of Indigenous Environmental Knowledge

All environmental knowledge systems are situated within Indigenous culture and are underpinned by a relationship, caring for and responsibility to the environment for future generations. In an era of unprecedented change to the global environment including climate change and biodiversity loss, Indigenous leadership in environmental governance needs to increase not only to protect Indigenous rights but also to protect the environment for all people.

Call for Action

Protecting Indigenous lands is a pressing issue for Canada in relation to the environment, Indigenous culture and reconciliation. Indigenous Nations must be recognized as the experts and decision makers on their own lands.

We call on all levels of government to:

1. Respect Indigenous sovereignty and recognize Indigenous Nations as decision-makers in environmental governance.
2. It is considered a principle that indigenous peoples should have a real and effective participation in decisions concerning their lands and resources.
3. Support Indigenous-led environmental stewardship and land protection initiatives.
4. Protect ecosystems, waterways, and wildlife that sustain Indigenous cultures and communities.
5. Commit to nation-to-nation relationships that respect Indigenous knowledge and environmental responsibilities.

Conclusion

Protecting Indigenous lands is a matter of justice, accountability and reconciliation for Indigenous peoples, their communities and the environment. Indigenous peoples have been actively protecting their lands and communities for generations and this work will continue to be crucial to Canada’s future.

Sign the petition to demand that the rights of Aboriginal people are respected, the environment be protected, and Aboriginal self-determination be recognized.

References:

McGregor, D. (2018). All Our Relations: Indigenous perspectives on environmental issues in Canada.

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2021). Indigenous peoples and the environment. https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/

Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2024). Canadian environmental sustainability indicators: Protected and conserved areas. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators/conserved-areas.html