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Nova Scotia Commits $893,000 for Mi'kmaq-Led Climate Adaptation in Cape Breton

Grant funding will enable the Unama’ki Institute to staff new climate roles through the development of educational resources alongside a monitoring framework rooted in Mi’kmaq values.

An announcement of funding to combat climate change in Cape Breton's Mi'kmaq communities was announced in Membertou on Tuesday. The money will be received by the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources for projects created and led by each of the Indigenous communities. Above, from left, attending the announcement were: Lisa Young, UINR Executive Director; Provincial L'Nu Minister, Leah Martin; Membertou Chief terry Paul; and Anik Martin, UINR Climate Change Project Manager. ROSEMARY GODIN/Cape Breton Post
 Membertou Chief Terry Paul welcomed the announcement on Tuesday of provincial funds to help combat climate change effects on Cape Breton’s five First Nations communities ROSEMARY GODIN/ Cape Breton Post.
FILE - The Nova Scotia government is giving the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources in Cape Breton $893,000 to fund Mi’kmaq-led climate change adaptation work.
 Leah Martin, MLA for Cole Harbour, and Minister of L’Nu Affairs, was in Membertou on Tuesday making an announcement about provincial funding for climate change. The announcement was about $893,750 for the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources to develop Mi’kmaq climate change initiatives based on traditional knowledge and experience.

Overview

  • Minister Leah Martin announced the funding on June 24 in Membertou as part of her mandate overseeing L’nu Affairs.
  • The Unama’ki Institute represents five Cape Breton Mi’kmaq First Nations and will hire a climate change coordinator and project assistant.
  • Bilingual educational materials in Mi’kmaq and English will be created to enhance community engagement on climate risks.
  • A values-based monitoring plan will use culturally relevant indicators to track environmental changes affecting coastal and forest areas.
  • Chief Terry Paul described climate change as one of the greatest challenges facing Mi’kmaq communities and stressed the importance of Indigenous knowledge in crafting solutions.