Climate Change Adaptation Framework

Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government’s Climate Change Adaptation Framework

The Climate Change Adaptation Framework represents a self-determined path for Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government (DGG) to prepare for a changing climate and transition to a more sustainable economy, from a place of cultural strength and integrity.
Read Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government’s Climate Change Adaption Framework here.

What principles and priorities will guide the Climate Change Adaptation Framework?

Governance

Ɂeɂa (Dene Law) and Dene Tsįlį
Self-determination – community identified projects first
Assertion of and respect for the Sahtú Dene and Métis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement and the Délı̨nę Final Self-Government Agreement
Follow the teachings of our Elders and our Prophets’ vision
Decolonization
Work with others
Whole of government approach

Fiscal

Stable, ongoing, and adequate federal funding
Funding for Lands, Resources and Treaty Management
Funding should flow through the DGG’s Financing Agreement with Canada as a self-governing Indigenous Government
Equity – First Nations should not bear the burden of the climate crisis

The recommendations and actions are organized into five themes:

Cultural Integrity and Wellbeing: doing our work in ways that strengthens culture and wellness;
Infrastructure Resilience: when we are building, we need to think about how to build in ways that will decrease risks related to fires, droughts, floods, permafrost melt, etc.;
Transition to a Sustainable Economy: increasing sustainable economic opportunities in ways that grow employment and opportunity in the community;
Food Security and Food Sovereignty: increasing the community’s ability to gather, hunt, and grow our own food, reduce food costs, and ensure DGG is involved in decision making about food access and cost reduction, with governments and vendors, in all relevant programs and services;
Research, Monitoring and Filling Knowledge Gaps: identifying areas of land and climate change research to ensure we understand how climate change is affecting people and the land and how we can address it.

How Will the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government Take Action?

DGG needs resources to implement the Climate Change Framework. Canada has committed to work with First Nations to create a Climate Leadership Agenda that empowers First Nations to lead climate action. DGG and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) have areas of shared responsibility related to climate change and climate adaptation and share many of the same priorities. DGG will seek opportunities for Nation-to-Nation shared decision-making on climate change priorities.