Youth in Just Transition: An Online Gathering for Indigenous Youth

In an online gathering last month, we shared stories about a Just Transition from an Indigenous perspective in our first ever “Youth in Just Transition” event.

This was an online gathering for Indigenous youth across Turtle Island.

ICA invited young Indigenous people like Jessica Mayhew from Sacred Earth Solar, Councilor Steven Crowchild of Tsuut’ina Nation, Jordan Burnouf of SevenGen, James Harper of Indigenous Clean Energy and ICA’s very own Jayce Chiblow (Toolkit Training Lead) to share stories from their past experiences working within these movements and energy sectors. 

What is a “Just Transition”?

A Just Transition can be defined as responding to the need to move away from reliance on diesel and extraction, and instead paving the way to renewable energies that integrate with cultural and traditional values. For more discussion, check out ICA’s Just Transition panel video from the Indigenous Economics Conference in June 2021. 

Using a Just Transition to Protect the Sacred

By hosting online gatherings like the Youth in Just Transition, ICA is able to expand its reach to many young Indigenous people. As an Indigenous-led climate organization, we hear from many young people about the challenge of connecting our minds to the idea of a Just Transition.

But when we hear teachings like “we all have a sacred responsibility to protect Mother Earth,” we can begin to understand that a Just Transition is the key in upholding this responsibility and duty.

It is in those moments that we start to open our minds to understand the importance of empowering our leadership and communities to make the Just Transition a reality. 

The Online Gathering

A first for ICA, the Youth in Just Transition online gathering accomplished its mission of Indigenizing the term “Just Transition” through grassroots storytelling from young Indigenous people.

This approach has been proven effective because of our large audience and social media platform reach. Indigenizing Just Transition was also supported by knowledge-holders like ICA’s Healing Justice Director, Melina Laboucan-Massimo, and Chief Patrick Michell of Kanaka Bar First Nation — both having years of knowledge in the Just Transition field.

Melina is also the star of a TV series called “Power to the People,” which highlights Indigenous communities and how they made their very own Just Transition.

Coming soon: A Guide to an Indigenous-led Just Transition

ICA’s Just Transition program is focussed on providing Indigenous outlooks and success stories of what a Just Transition can look like from an Indigenous perspective, to inspire communities and Indigenous youth across Turtle Island.

We have been working on a comprehensive guide to a Just Transition for over six years and each day brings us closer to sharing it with you. Keep an eye out in the next coming weeks for the launch of the guide. 

We believe that by equipping Indigenous Nations with our new Just Transition Guide, our communities may begin embarking on their very own energy sovereign journey. 

ICA’s Just Transition Guide will provide real life stories and knowledge about an Indigenous Just Transition, including how your community can achieve a Just Transition too! 

If you would like to know more about our Just Transition or Divestment Programs, email  jacob@indigenousclimateaction.com 

Siyisgaas!