Indigenous Collaboration

For millennia, Indigenous Peoples have lived in balance with the natural world, and their intergenerational experiences and knowledges provide tremendous insight on how to navigate a changing climate and cultivate a cleaner and greener world. There is much to learn from the traditional and contemporary teachings of Indigenous Peoples. 

At PICS, we deeply value this Indigenous wisdom and believe it is critical for shaping just, equitable, and inclusive climate solutions. We are committed to Indigenous collaborations rooted in decolonial practices, which support truth, reconciliation, and climate action as shared priorities that encourage both cultural resurgence and planetary wellbeing.

By following wise practices — that weave different ways of knowing and being — we seek to invest in collaborations that honour and uphold Indigenous rights, self-determination, and ways of working that are guided by and contribute to Indigenous leadership. On this journey, we walk with humility, and will encourage initiatives that generate benefits for Indigenous organizations, Nations, and communities.

Circle of Practice

An image of fireweed poking through lush greenery.
Collaboration

Circle of Practice

An online gathering for dialogue, co-learning, and collaboration between Indigenous scholars, community leaders, and researchers. 

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Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship Program

Scholarship

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. 

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Scholar Knowledge Highlights

Bridging Science and Land: Climate vulnerability and resilience assessment for northern forest service roads

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Indigenous-Led Climate Resilience: Learning from the conservation economy in the Great Bear Rainforest

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Post-Wildfire Increases in Creek Flow Are Short-Lived in Syilx Okanagan First Nation

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Caring for the ƛ̓əq̓ƛ̓aqtn Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area

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Intertidal Restoration as Anti-Colonial Climate Resilience

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First Nation Engagement with Flood Mapping: Advocating for Semá:th First Nation flood rights through mapping

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A Radical Act of Hope Podcast

Podcast

Podcast: A Radical Act of Hope

This limited series podcast explores the life, work, and wisdom of Inuk climate and human rights advocate Siila Watt-Cloutier.

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Related resources

L-R Janna Wale Cheryl Casimer Hugh Braker Ian Mauro Stewart Phillip Terry Teegee Fraser Hof
News

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.

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Reflections

Like paddlers in a canoe: Lessons on climate and reciprocity in a PICS summer internship

PICS intern Taylor Griffiths reflects on her internship and how she learned that addressing climate change is about more than data or technology. It’s about relationships to land, culture, and each other.

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Videos

Xpey’ (Cedar) Restoration and Protection

Quw’utsun’ Cultural Connections Society is working to protect xpey’ (cedar), a cultural keystone species facing growing pressures from climate change and land development in the Cowichan Valley.

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Reports

Indigenous Governance and Authority in Climate Action

This paper argues that a renewed CleanBC must move beyond integrating Indigenous “perspectives” to recognizing Indigenous laws, decision-making authority, and governance. By embedding reconciliation at the heart of climate action—through self-determination, free, prior and informed consent, and Indigenous-led approaches—CleanBC can build more durable and just climate resilience.

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News

A Radical Act of Hope wins twice at international podcast awards

PICS podcast featuring Siila Watt-Cloutier receives gold and listener’s choice in the 2025 Signal Awards.

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Reports

What We Heard: Bridging Knowledges for Climate Action

PICS report summarizes university workshops that connected academic researchers to the BC First Nations Climate Strategy.

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News

Bridging knowledges for climate action

New PICS report captures insights from a series of workshops held in collaboration with the First Nation Leadership Council.

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News

Fifteen scholars awarded Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarships 

Fifteen scholars from across the four PICS partner universities have been selected for the inaugural cohort.

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Janna Wale, wearing a cedar hat and casual clothes, leans down to touch the ocean, while crouching on a rock on the shore. Behind her, sunset fades to twilight.
Reflections

What does reconciliation look like in an era of climate turmoil?

PICS Indigenous Research and Partnerships Lead Janna Wale reflects on four pathways towards climate justice and reconciliation.

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