Supporting co-designed research that strengthens First Nations climate leadership
The PICS Circle of Practice is a monthly online gathering that brings together researchers, students, Indigenous scholars, and community leaders to share mentorship, expertise, resources, and best practices for collaborative, co-designed research.
The Circle of Practice aims to break down silos, strengthen trust, and support a climate research network that will help to advance research aligned with the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan, and the Action Plan for Risk Reduction by BC First Nations.
Forming the Circle
In spring of 2025, PICS invited a diverse cross-section of researchers to the Bridging Knowledges for Climate Action workshops at our four network universities. The workshops included discussions about how to strengthen collaboration across institutions and support co-designed research that strengthens First Nations climate leadership, advances climate priorities, and generates meaningful benefits for First Nations in British Columbia.
Participants discussed how the research community can work in a good way—building long-term, rights-based, and culturally appropriate partnerships that support First Nations-led climate action.
To advance this work people expressed interest in a sustained space for dialogue, co-learning, and collaboration between Indigenous scholars, community leaders, and researchers.
Upcoming Circle of Practice Sessions
Held on Zoom on the second Thursday of each month, 12 – 1:30 pm PST
May 14: Scholars Showcase 2: Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship Program
This session is dedicated to learning from more of the Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholars as they present on their experience building and implementing co-designed research.
June 11: Shifting Power in Research Collaboration with Dr. Jonathan Moore
Discuss the opportunities and barriers for equitable research partnerships, and explore strategies for ensuring community voices and leadership are respected with featured speaker Dr. Jonathan Moore, Professor, Aquatic Ecology & Conservation at Simon Fraser University.
Past Sessions
April 9: Indigenous Climate Leadership & Governance with Dr. Graeme Reed
This session explored how Nations are leading climate action rooted in their own laws, governance, and protocols with featured speaker Dr. Graeme Reed, Strategic Advisor at Assembly of First Nations.
- Session recording coming soon
March 12: Scholars Showcase: Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship Program
This session was dedicated to learning from Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholars as they presented on their experience building and implementing co-designed research. Presentations were given by Dylan Hillis, Charlotte Milne, and Brian Timmer, each sharing insights from their collaborative work with First Nations communities. You can explore their research through their Knowledge Highlights.
February 12: Shared Values & Relational Protocol
This facilitated session with special guest Jessica Vandenberghe guided participants through why the Circle of Practice was formed and considers questions about the values, ideals and protocols that should guide the Circle of Practice.
- Related resources coming soon
Join the Circle of Practice
Are you interested in how to strengthen alignment between university research and First Nations climate priorities, as well as best practices for codesigned research?
Sign up below to be a part of the PICS Circle of Practice — an online gathering that bring together researchers, students, Indigenous scholars, and community leaders to share tools, mentorship, and best practices for collaborative, co-designed research.
Circle of Practice Resources
Relationship Protocol advances First Nations climate solutions
The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) have entered into a Relationship Protocol.
What We Heard: Bridging Knowledges for Climate Action
PICS report summarizes university workshops that connected academic researchers to the BC First Nations Climate Strategy.
Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship Pilot Program
This scholarship program supports graduate-level scholars whose work advances climate change adaptation and mitigation in collaboration with First Nations communities in B.C.
Relationship Protocol between First Nations Leadership Council and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions
Read the through the signed Relationship Protocol between PICS and FNLC.
BC First Nations Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
The Strategy centres First Nations communities from all regions of the province to put forward recommendations for climate action that align with First Nations’ values, worldviews, and priorities.
Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction
Provides a roadmap for building community resilience and preparedness, strengthening infrastructure and building standards, and enhancing emergency response and recovery capacities.
Bridging knowledges for climate action
New PICS report captures insights from a series of workshops held in collaboration with the First Nation Leadership Council.
Supporting Indigenous Sovereignty Through Kelp Forest Restoration and Monitoring
This Knowledge Highlight explores efforts to restore kelp forests in the northern Salish Sea, examining how climate-smart restoration of bull kelp can support marine ecosystems while strengthening collaboration with First Nations partners.
Supporting Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation’s Cultural and Spiritual Approach to Climate Action
This Knowledge Highlight highlights the importance of reintegrating Indigenous stewardship practices, grounded in cultural and spiritual knowledge systems, into climate decision-making through research conducted in collaboration with the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation.
(Re)storying Relationships Between Humans, k̓ʷak̓aƛ (Sea Otters) & Shellfish to Support Nuu-chah-nulth Food Sovereignty
This Knowledge Highlight explores how archaeological and ecological data, alongside the voices of Hereditary leaders and Knowledge Holders, illuminate First Nations’ visions of food sovereignty in the context of sea otter recovery and climate change.
Beyond Integration: Indigenous Knowledge as a driver of paleoenvironmental research
This Knowledge Highlight explores how the T’aaku Kwáan adapted to early Holocene sea level rise and glacial change, drawing on both archaeological evidence and living memory to inform climate adaptation today.
First Nation Engagement with Flood Mapping: Advocating for Semá:th First Nation flood rights through mapping
This Knowledge Highlight examines how flood risk mapping can be conducted in partnership with First Nations communities, drawing on work with Semá:th First Nation to develop practical approaches for collaborative flood mapping and community-informed decision-making.
The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) has entered into a Relationship Protocol with the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC). Through this protocol, PICS is supporting the implementation of the B.C. First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan and the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by First Nations in B.C. These frameworks present a strong vision for First Nations-led climate action and emergency management, supporting current and future generations in achieving self-determination to care for the Earth and ensure health and stability in the face of the ongoing human-made climate crisis.