Four original case studies released today highlight Indigenous-led research with implications for Canada's national priorities, from expanding and interconnecting the electricity grid to evaluating major resource development projects. The research by First Nations and Métis scholars and authors, presented by the Canadian Climate Institute and the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER), is part of the Indigenous Perspectives program. Now in its sixth year, the annual program profiles Indigenous expertise and solutions in climate policy.

Key Research Areas

This year's case studies focus on four primary areas:

• Indigenous-owned electricity transmission projects: Authors Frank Busch, Joel Krupa, Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, and Tamara Krawchenko explore how these projects benefit Indigenous communities and accelerate the clean energy transition.
• Gitanyow Climate Test: Tara Marsden/Naxginkw and Chris Joseph detail a tool developed by Gitanyow Nation using Indigenous Laws and science to evaluate climate impacts and assert authority over development projects.
• Corporate disclosure and Indigenous rights: Raylene Whitford examines how the portrayal of Indigenous rights holders in corporate sustainability and climate public filings informs decision-making by investors and policymakers.
• Métis harvesting knowledge: Conor Kerr discusses the disruption of Métis harvesting knowledge and the importance of the relationship with the land in maintaining climate data.

Upcoming Roundtables

Case study authors will discuss their work in two online roundtables scheduled for June 22 and 23. The first roundtable will focus on Indigenous leadership in the energy transition with authors Raylene Whitford, Frank Busch, and Kwatuuma Cole Sayers. The second roundtable will address Indigenous climate policy beyond Western metrics with authors Tara Marsden/Naxginkw and Conor Kerr. Both events are moderated, include audience Q&A, and will be recorded.

Program Background

Since 2020, the Canadian Climate Institute and CIER have collaboratively led the Indigenous Perspectives program to amplify Indigenous-led climate research grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems. Featured case studies are selected through a competitive application process and developed through research funding and mentorship support. Program participants retain full ownership of their research, conclusions, and materials.

Rick Smith, President of the Canadian Climate Institute, emphasized the importance of the initiative. "Indigenous Peoples are leading across the country in accelerating climate action, clean growth, and the energy transition," Smith said. "We're thrilled to showcase these case studies and highlight Indigenous expertise leading the way forward in partnership with the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources."