Factsheet: Applying an Indigenous inclusion lens to climate adaptation

Many municipalities across Canada are increasingly recognizing the importance of developing climate adaptation strategies to prepare for and build resilience to the impact of our changing Canadian climate. 

This factsheet highlights how integrating an Indigenous lens and Indigenous knowledge into climate strategies can enhance resilience and strengthen environmental strategies, as well as contribute to broader goals related to Reconciliation. Undertaking these efforts ultimately builds more inclusive, respectful and sustainable communities for future generations.

Two-Eyed Seeing approach

The Two-Eyed Seeing approach is a key framework in the Indigenous Resilience Report that integrates Indigenous knowledge systems with Western science. This approach emphasizes using both perspectives—one eye viewing the world through Indigenous ways of knowing and the other through Western science. It creates a balanced, complementary method for addressing complex issues such as climate change, ensuring that neither knowledge system dominates the other, but rather they coexist and enhance decision-making together.

Work is underway across the country

A lack of awareness and understanding of Indigenous knowledge can make it difficult to develop inclusive climate strategies. Through its Indigenous Relations Office, the City of Calgary, AB, is providing its staff and citizens with information and education on Truth and Reconciliation. This initiative that underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into municipal operations and, includes comprehensive staff training with a focus on developing cultural competency, with the aim of helping to ensure that climate strategies are inclusive and informed by Indigenous knowledge.

Other cities are working to overcome historical distrust through respectful engagement, honouring commitments and demonstrating a genuine willingness to learn. The City of Vancouver, BC’s City of Reconciliation initiative exemplifies how building trust and fostering genuine partnerships with Indigenous communities can create a foundation for meaningful Reconciliation. This initiative is integral to the city’s efforts to embed Reconciliation into the fabric of its governance and community relations.

The NWT Water Stewardship Strategy embraces the Two-Eyed Seeing approach by incorporating both Indigenous knowledge and scientific methods to manage and protect water resources. This strategy values traditional ecological knowledge for its deep-rooted connection to the land and waterways, while also utilizing scientific tools to monitor water quality and flow. Municipalities can learn from this by integrating Indigenous knowledge into their water management practices, fostering collaborative partnerships with local Indigenous communities to enhance stewardship and ensure sustainable resource management.

Understanding Indigenous knowledge systems

Indigenous knowledge systems are deeply holistic, emphasizing the interdependence of all living things and the importance of harmony between nature and humankind. These systems have evolved over generations and offer valuable insights into sustainable living and environmental stewardship. Integrating Indigenous knowledge into municipal planning can support strategies that prioritize long-term ecological health, community well-being and cultural preservation.

Consider these key points when incorporating Indigenous knowledge into your municipal planning:

• Local ecosystems: Indigenous knowledge offers a deep understanding of and insight into local ecosystems, informed by generations of observation and experience.
• Traditional ecological knowledge: Practices such as traditional land management and sustainable resource use, rooted in Indigenous ecological knowledge, promote biodiversity and the health of ecosystems.
• Cultural heritage preservation: Engaging with Indigenous communities enriches planning and helps preserve and honour cultural heritage, ensuring that traditional practices, traditions and knowledge continue to thrive while also enriching the municipality’s cultural fabric.
• Sustainability: Indigenous knowledge emphasizes a long-term ecological balance, focusing on sustainable practices that protect and nurture the environment.
• Resilience: Indigenous strategies, tested and refined over centuries, enhance community resilience by fostering adaptability to environmental changes and challenges.
• Community engagement: Collaborating with Indigenous communities fosters inclusive decision-making and enhances community cohesion.

Indigenous Peoples are applying their knowledge systems and traditional practices to address climate change impacts alongside modern scientific approaches. For example, the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan combines Indigenous wisdom with climate data to develop meaningful solutions. Tools like the Climate Atlas of Canada  weave together Indigenous stories, climate science, and community perspectives, fostering adaptation and resilience through a blend of diverse knowledge systems.

Applying an Indigenous-inclusive lens 

Adopting a holistic approach means recognizing the interconnectedness of social, environmental and economic factors, which can lead to more comprehensive planning processes. Such an approach requires meaningful engagement that respects and incorporates Indigenous rights, knowledge and cultural practices. 

Using an Indigenous lens can strengthen municipal planning efforts in several ways, including:

• Holistic perspective: Emphasizing the interconnection of social, environmental and economic systems to create well-rounded and integrated planning solutions.
• Sustainability: Focusing on long-term ecological health and environmental stewardship rooted in Indigenous practices to prioritize the well-being of future generations.
• Cultural respect: Honouring and integrating Indigenous traditions, values and practices into planning processes to foster cultural preservation and mutual respect.
• Collaborative engagement: Encouraging ongoing dialogue, partnership and co-creation with Indigenous communities to ensure their active participation and leadership in decision-making processes.
• Equity and inclusion: Committing to inclusive planning by integrating Indigenous voices, perspectives, and knowledge into all stages of decision-making to promote equity and justice.

Town of Sioux Lookout, Ontario

Lac Seul First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Municipality of Sioux Lookout, ON, has partnered with Lac Seul First Nation and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug through the Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) to collaboratively pursue shared economic and community development goals. The partnership focuses on joint planning initiatives, such as the development of a Friendship Accord, which formalizes their commitment to working together. By integrating Indigenous knowledge into land-use and environmental planning, Sioux Lookout is building municipal strategies that are culturally inclusive and sustainable, benefiting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Building and maintaining respectful relationships

Municipalities may want to implement the following key steps when working to build and maintain respectful relationships with Indigenous communities:

• Understanding Indigenous neighbours: Take the time to learn about the histories, cultures and knowledge systems of the neighbouring Indigenous communities. Building relationships rooted in mutual understanding helps ensure Indigenous practices and values are respected and integrated into municipal processes.
• Engaging meaningfully: Engagement should start early and continue throughout the project or partnership. Meaningful engagement involves respecting Indigenous protocols and traditions as well as also meeting Indigenous communities where they are, whether that means physically visiting their communities or aligning with their schedules and priorities. This shows genuine respect and commitment.
• Co-developing plans: True collaboration requires Indigenous representation at every stage of planning and decision-making. Indigenous voices must be not just consulted but actively included as co-creators of plans. This fosters a shared sense of ownership and helps to ensure Indigenous knowledge informs sustainable, culturally relevant outcomes.
• Supporting capacity building: Providing resources training, and opportunities that build capacity in Indigenous communities (e.g., technical assistance, educational support, financial resources) can support Indigenous communities to fully participate in and benefit from municipal planning processes.
• Reciprocating knowledge: Respectful relationships are reciprocal. As Indigenous communities share their knowledge and perspectives, municipalities should in turn provide opportunities, resources and support that benefit their Indigenous partners. This ensures a balanced exchange and shows appreciation for Indigenous contributions.

Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Township of Selwyn, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, County of Peterborough and Peterborough and Kawarthas Economic Development, ON

The partnership among Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Township of Selwyn, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, County of Peterborough and Peterborough and Kawarthas Economic Development, ON, exemplifies a commitment to building respectful relationships by engaging in continuous dialogue and collaboration at every stage. This approach ensures Indigenous voices are integral to decision-making processes. It honours cultural protocols and fosters mutual respect and understanding as joint initiatives are developed.

Measuring success and assessing impact

Measuring success and assessing impact are critical to ensuring that municipal strategies integrating Indigenous knowledge are effective and sustainable. Systematically evaluation provides valuable data that can be used to refine the approach and inform decisions, enhancing community well-being and ecological resilience. 

Municipalities may find the following steps useful when assessing the impact of their strategies and projects:

• Set clear objectives: Begin by defining specific, measurable objectives for the integration of Indigenous knowledge into the strategy or project. The objectives should reflect the desired community outcomes and the principles of Indigenous knowledge systems, in alignment with cultural, environmental and social priorities.
• Use meaningful metrics: Develop and track metrics to assess the extent to which Indigenous knowledge has been integrated into each strategy or project. These could include the extent to which Indigenous values and practices are incorporated into planning, the percentage of municipal staff who complete cultural competency training, and the sustainability and longevity of partnerships with Indigenous communities. These metrics will help gauge the success of municipal efforts and identify areas for improvement.
• Collect and analyze feedback: Regularly gather feedback from stakeholders, including Indigenous partners, community members and municipal staff. This feedback is crucial for understanding the real-world impact of the strategies and making necessary adjustments. Surveys, interviews and community consultations can all be used to capture diverse perspectives.
• Adjust and improve continuously: Use insights from the metrics and feedback to refine the strategies and projects. Continuous improvement is essential to maintaining effective collaboration and ensuring strategies and projects remain responsive to the needs and values of the Indigenous communities and municipalities. Over time, being flexible and adaptive helps build stronger, more resilient partnerships.

Incorporating Indigenous knowledge into municipal planning and climate adaptation strategies is not only a path toward more sustainable and resilient communities but also a critical step in fostering meaningful Reconciliation. Continuous engagement, capacity building and reciprocal relationships are key to achieving these shared goals. By committing to building more inclusive relationships with Indigenous communities, municipalities are better positioned to ensure their efforts are truly impactful and enduring. 

Related resources

• Factsheet: Municipal Reconciliation-Advancing government-to-Nation relationships | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Factsheet: Advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in municipal service delivery The Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Indigenous partnerships | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy | The Government of Canada
• Indigenous Climate Action
• Advancing Indigenous futures with two-eyed seeing

Tanya Tourangeau, a proud Dene woman and founder of Tanya T Consulting | Reconciliation Strategist | Canada provided her expertise as a Reconciliation strategist in the writing of this factsheet, and FCM thanks her for her insights.