Friday, July 4, 2025
Mi’kmaw communities in Cape Breton (Unama’ki) are strengthening their ability to respond to climate change with support from the Province of Nova Scotia.
The Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources has received $893,750 to lead climate action rooted in Mi’kmaw knowledge, community priorities and culturally relevant approaches. Leah Martin, Minister of L’nu Affairs, made the announcement on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
“Climate change affects us all, but not all communities are impacted in the same way – that’s why we are proud to support Mi’kmaq-led climate action that reflects Indigenous knowledge, priorities and ways of knowing,” said Minister Martin. “By working together in the spirit of Etuaptmumk – two-eyed seeing – we can build a more resilient, equitable future for everyone in Nova Scotia.”
The Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources will use the funding to:
- develop a climate change action plan for the five Mi’kmaw communities in Cape Breton
- hire a Mi’kmaw climate change co-ordinator and project assistant
- create education materials in English and Mi’kmaw founded on Mi’kmaw knowledge
- develop a climate change monitoring program using culturally relevant indicators
- advance community-identified climate action priorities.
“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our communities, and it requires solutions that are grounded in who we are as Mi’kmaq people,” said Chief Terry Paul, CEO, Membertou First Nation. “This investment supports our ability to lead with our knowledge, our values and our vision for the future. I commend the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources for continuing to bring our communities together to take action — for the land, the water and the next generations.”
This investment reflects the Province’s recognition that Indigenous communities are key partners in climate leadership. The work led by the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources will help ensure that adaptation efforts are grounded in local priorities and traditional knowledge, building resilience in a way that is meaningful and lasting.
For further information, visit: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/ns-climate-change-plan.pdf
Featured image: Eskasoni Mi’kmaw Nation is one of five Mi’kmaw communities in Cape Breton (Unama’ki). Credit: Province of Nova Scotia.
