Heiltsuk Hereditary Chief and Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions to work together to more deeply weave Indigenous Knowledges into climate research and action.
Heiltsuk Hereditary Chief and climate resilience leader Frank Brown, λáλíya̓ sila—meaning “preparing for the largest potlatch”—has been named the next Indigenous Climate Fellow at the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.
Brown is a respected Heiltsuk leader who has been working at the interface of climate change, conservation, and community-based resurgence for decades. His fellowship will uplift inclusion of Indigenous knowledges in climate research and action, specifically in support of the Relationship Protocol established between PICS and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC). His work with PICS will contribute towards implementation of the B.C. First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan.
“I am honoured to join PICS as Indigenous Climate Fellow and look forward to ensuring First Nations leadership and knowledge are deeply considered climate solutions in the Pacific region.”
– Hereditary Chief Frank Brown
“The Relationship Protocol between PICS and FNLC provides a framework for respectfully bringing together Indigenous and Western ways of knowing to benefit Nations and the lands and waters that sustain us,” says Brown.
A leader in the Pacific coast-wide ocean-going Indigenous canoe resurgence, Brown served as the initiator and senior events planner for the Tribal Journeys to Bella Bella for Qatuwas, “people gathering together”, in 1993 and 2014. He is a board member for Heiltsuk Climate Action, is a senior advisor to the Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI), and is actively involved in the Guardians movement.
”The University of Victoria takes our relationships and responsibilities to Indigenous Peoples seriously. It’s core to who we are as an institution, and this appointment of Hereditary Chief Frank Brown as PICS’ next Indigenous Climate Fellow demonstrates this in practice, Chief Brown’s guidance will help develop research that is respectful, relational and reciprocal.”
– UVIC’s Vice President Indigenous Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas.
Brown’s guidance regarding research, community engagement, and knowledge mobilization related to climate change, Indigenous knowledges, and reconciliation will support PICS and a larger community of researchers working towards implementation of the Relationship Protocol.
“Chief Brown’s leadership and experience advancing Indigenous-led climate solutions and stewardship is highly regarded by PICS and our partners, we are humbled that he is joining the team and will be providing guidance to our network and initiatives.”
– Ian Mauro, PICS executive director
The collaboration with PICS demonstrates the University of Victoria’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about UVic’s impact and discover what makes its climate action research unique.
