National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Climate Change Task Force operates in Cape Breton/Unama’ki (Land of fog), part of the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. Our group is comprised of members from both indigenous and settler backgrounds, and we aim to engage more broadly with indigenous communities while respecting our treaty responsibilities. We recognize today as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Climate change is not experienced by all residents of Cape Breton/Unama’ki equally. Generations of systemic disenfranchisement, marginalization, and environmental racism have resulted in Mi’kmaq community members disproportionately experiencing the adverse effects of our climate crisis. We must encourage traditional Mi’kmaq land-based learning, advocate for self-determination and community-based environmental solutions, and forge genuine relationships as we act together for positive environmental change.

As a group of individuals deeply concerned about the health of our environment and our community, we are committed to ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities to promote a fair transition to a cleaner economy and a greener society, in a spirit of openness and equity. It is our hope that our efforts can be one way we help support Truth and Reconciliation.