In Canada, it is both the system of settler colonialism, the ongoing process of dispossession and the whole economic paradigm that is at odds with the urgency of  desperately needed real climate action.

Indigenous struggles and voices  have been at the frontline  leading the way for environmental and climate action. The extractive industry and the exploitation of fossil resources, which constantly violates the sovereignty of indigenous nations through the plundering of their territories is also linked to the repression and criminalization of indigenous activists, protectors of water and the Earth. Recent examples of this is the repression against members of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation who peacefully demonstrated to protect their territories and oppose the Coastal GasLink pipeline.

For over 25 years  now, we at Alternatives have continued to believe that the answers to ecosystems defense and biodiversity lie in solidarity between indigenous and non-indigenous mobilizations. To do this, the organization has carried out different activities to establish stronger solidarity and relationships. Having historically supported several initiatives facilitating the meeting between indigenous and non-indigenous people (notably the Peoples’ Social Forum in 2014, the Assembly of Social Movements on Climate Change in Kanesatake in 2014, and the Climate Action Forum in Quebec City on April 11-12, 2015), Alternatives wishes to work on the possibility of building more bridges between indigenous communities mobilized for the climate and various environmental organizations and collectives and activists of the climate movement, including young student protesters, in the face of global challenges around environmental issues that affect us all.

Undeniably, young people are at the forefront of moving the public debate, raising awareness for action and generating ideas to address the climate emergency. Thus we must support their initiatives and the importance of youth voices in the environmental mobilization agenda. The project aims to support youth participants in their engagement in the context of climate action and equip them with tools to develop their experience and leadership.

In addition, it is necessary to question the role of non-native people and encourage them to be allies with natives in building climate mobilizations, based on the consideration, reflective knowledge of the issues, realities and specificities experienced by natives. Similarly, indigenous science and knowledge have much to say and an important role to play in the way we collectively address climate change issues.

A decolonial posture to guide a struggle for climate, life and Mother Earth is expressed through choices, positions and practices not only to mobilize in the face of the climate emergency but also in the face of the urgency of decolonizing relations between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

The objective, then, is to reflect together to identify the close links between the climate crisis, capitalism, the mode of economic overdevelopment and colonialist practices and systemic oppression (exploitation, violation of territorial rights, violence against women, etc.), to engage in solidarity between indigenous and non-indigenous people and to elaborate together another way of co-imagining and co-constructing collective actions to raise awareness. The Together for the climate project wishes to respond to these needs.