Indigenous Leaders Demand Immediate Action for Environmental Stewardship

URGENT UPDATE: Indigenous leaders are calling for immediate recognition of their environmental stewardship role as a major conservation gathering convenes at Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The event, hosted by the Assembly of First Nations, brings together land protectors from across Canada, highlighting their critical responsibility to safeguard nature for future generations.

During the three-day conference titled “Upholding our Relationship to Mother Earth and Stewarding for Abundance,” Sen. Dan Christmas emphasized the need for Indigenous people to lead sustainable development efforts. “We have a moral authority to do sustainable development,” Christmas stated, underscoring that this responsibility lies solely with Indigenous communities and is not up to external governments.

The gathering has attracted hundreds of delegates, including land protectors from the Mi’kmaq community, who are currently engaged in efforts to halt logging operations at Hunters Mountain, a site of deep cultural significance. The Mi’kmaq have established camps and checkpoints to protect the land, expressing concerns over violations of their treaty rights and ecological degradation.

Local land protector Roger Toney, who traveled from Hunters Mountain to attend the conference, described the situation as a profound gathering, not a protest. “It’s a gathering for we land protectors,” Toney emphasized, inviting others to witness the environmental devastation firsthand. He criticized the lack of adherence to treaties that are meant to ensure collaborative stewardship of the land.

The urgency was echoed by Terry Doward, a land protector from British Columbia, who declared, “The government of Nova Scotia cannot run roughshod on the Mi’kmaq rights and responsibilities to their land.” Doward called for an end to colonial tactics that threaten Indigenous ways of life.

During the conference, Andrea Paul, the Nova Scotia Regional Chief, affirmed the commitment of land protectors to preserve biodiversity for the next seven generations. “They do this not for fame, not for fortune — but to protect all species,” she stated.

Elder Albert Marshall from Eskasoni First Nation highlighted the importance of the knowledge shared during the event. “It’s impossible for me to grasp all the wonderful knowledge that we have shared with each other,” Marshall noted, urging participants to reflect on their actions and their impact on future generations.

As the conference concludes, the call to action is clear: Indigenous communities are ready to lead the way in environmental stewardship, and the time for recognition and support from all levels of government is NOW.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Indigenous leaders continue to push for sustainable practices and respect for their rights.