The Connection Between Climate Change, Natural Resource Exploitation and the Well-Being of Indigenous Communities
This picture depicts two totems and snowy mountains in the background.
Credit: Adam Gartrell Source: AAP Image
Canada’s history of systemic racism and economic oppression against Indigenous peoples have gravely contributed to their environmental injustice. This injustice has caused a great decline in the mental and physical health of the Indigenous population. In a similar vein, these environmental changes have also greatly impacted the culture and traditions of Indigenous peoples. Indigenous communities are disproportionality affected by environmental degradation and the inadequate response to climate change offered by the Canadian government.
Indigenous Cosmology
There are three distinct groups of peoples who make up the Indigenous population in Canada; First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Though these groups each have their respective identities, they share a similar cosmology. This cosmology places nature as a focal point in Indigenous peoples’ worldviews. Indigenous communities live in very close connection with nature and thus, experience disruptions to the environment in a significant manner. The relationship between Indigenous peoples and the environment is paramount in understanding how they are clear victims of environmental injustice. Indeed, environmental injustice is defined as the disproportionate effect of industrial development on visible minorities and socially or economically disadvantaged people. In comparison to non-Indigenous Canadians, Indigenous communities rank far lower in terms of life expectancy, child mortality rates, education levels, employment as well as income and housing, thereby placing them as a socially and economically disadvantaged group as per the definition of environmental injustice.
Section 35 of the Constitution Act
To begin, Section 35 of the Constitution Act recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples and the requirement of the Crown to consult with Indigenous communities with regard to industrial development. That being said, these consultative processes rarely account for the mental health and overall well-being of Indigenous communities. In addition, the government may infringe upon those legal rights if they can prove that there are “compelling and substantial” reasons to do so. As such, Canada’s Indigenous population is repeatedly subjected to industrial developments and resource exploitation.
The Effects of Climate Change and Resource Exploitation on Indigenous Communities
The physical health of Indigenous peoples has been increasingly affected by climate change. For instance, the Blueberry First Nation in British Columbia has been subjected to numerous evacuations due to sour gas leaks. In addition, industrial development like the creation of oil and gas extraction infrastructure on Indigenous land has created other security issues like increased access to drugs, higher cost of living and the psychologic impacts of possible contaminations. Not only are these communities concerned with the effects that industrial development may cause on themselves, but they are also worried about the effects it may have on the animals that are traditionally consumed by them.
In another example, every participant in a study conducted with the collaboration of three First Nations communities; (West Moberly First Nations, Halfway River First Nation as well as Treaty 8 Tribal Association), raised concerns on the effects of industrial development on plants and animal species. These participants expressed concern about the dangers of industrial sites on wildlife. Communities have repeatedly voiced their concerns regarding the loss of certain culturally-important animal species, including caribous and grizzly bears. One community, West Moberly First Nations, successfully pled their case at the Supreme Court of British Columbia, although they indicate that the government has ignored the ruling which states that they did not conduct meaningful consultations, as required by Section 35 of the Constitution Act.
The mental health of Indigenous peoples is a major concern for these communities. Specifically, elders outlined their worries about the impact of industrial developments on younger generations. Elders and Chiefs from numerous communities explained that although children may be young, they are aware of the effects of industrial development on their land. One study concluded that attachment to land increases with age, meaning Indigenous children will continue to feel the stressors of environmental changes as they grow older. This same study outlined the importance of reducing the distress and anguish felt by Indigenous communities with the use of protective factors, such as resilience, health, quality of life, support from family and friends, and life in the community.
The infringement upon the rights of Indigenous peoples to their land and natural resources has a profound effect on their culture. Indigenous communities often heal through connection with their family, community, spirituality and nature. Consequently, the exploitation of natural resources and any other factor which increases pollution and disrupts the environment has a profound and long-lasting effect on Indigenous populations. Climate change significantly impacts the lifestyle of these communities and obstructs the transmission of traditional knowledge. According to the above-mentioned study, any damage to nature is a direct damage to Indigenous peoples. The protection of Indigenous land goes beyond nature; it is also the protection of the spirituality and culture of Indigenous peoples.
The impact of climate change on children was a repeated comment disclosed during the interviews in this study. Younger generations are aware of the effects of resource exploitation on their land and the dire stage of the current environment. Traditional methods of harvesting food have also declined due to increased food insecurity. Melting ice, permafrost and unpredictable low water levels have placed a halt on the traditional hunt of certain animals like caribou, snow geese and fish. Children and elders are forced to limit their food intake as they have very limited access to traditional foods and must consume processed foods.
All in all, Indigenous peoples contribute very little to Canada’s carbon footprint, yet they are amongst the worst-hit communities from climate change. Canada has failed its Indigenous population and must rectify this wrongdoing by implementing stronger climate change policies and investing in the well-being of Indigenous communities. As acclaimed environmental justice activist Mustafa Santiago Ali rightfully claims, “when you intentionally dismantle and deconstruct [basic environmental protections], you are placing the lives of vulnerable people at risk”.
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