The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) has named the first cohort of recipients of the Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship Pilot Program.
Fifteen scholars from across the four PICS partner universities have been selected for scholarship funding. The cohort includes two postdoctoral fellows, ten PhD candidates, and three master’s students, each advancing community-driven climate solutions in collaboration with First Nations in British Columbia.
The scholarships support research that aligns with the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan and the Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by First Nations in BC.
This pilot program honours the Relationship Protocol between the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and PICS, which sets out a shared commitment to advancing First Nations climate leadership, research, and capacity building in B.C.
Together, these scholars showcase the breadth of Indigenous-led and community-rooted solutions shaping a just climate future.
The scholars will produce knowledge highlights that share the innovative research and insights emerging from their work. These highlights will be published on the PICS website to provide valuable insights for decision makers working on climate solutions.
The program is dedicated to the late Leona and Valerie Humchitt, two matriarchs from the Heiltsuk Nation who championed Indigenous-led education and climate leadership. Their legacy of vision, passion, and commitment to community resilience lives on through the work of this new generation of scholars.
