Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Climate Legacy Strategy
Our strategy for advancing climate action in our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Aysáych (Territory) articulates our vision and desire to take meaningful action on climate change within our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Aysáy̓ch, in order to ensure a sustainable and thriving environment for seven generations to come.
Climate Legacy Strategy PDFClimate Legacy was created to meet and exceed existing best practices in climate action in the Territory in alignment with existing governmental climate strategies. Climate Legacy aligns with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) requirements for a stable climate (net zero emissions by 2050).
Governments, industries, and institutions are encouraged to use Climate Legacy to guide their relationship with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw to advance climate action. Climate Legacy, its implementation, and the priorities of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw must be understood as the means by which the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People assert their Indigenous Rights as articulated by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The visions, goals, actions, and eleven associated Quick-Starts outlined in Climate Legacy mark the beginning of our work on climate action. Following this, a detailed implementation plan with corresponding timelines, workplans, and budgets for this strategy will be developed.
Introducing The 11 Quick-Start Actions
Recognizing the climate emergency in which we find ourselves and the associated threats posed to our community, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw is introducing eleven (11) Quick-Start Actions. These Actions intend to address the climate emergency with the urgency required, as we continue the longer-term development of our Climate Legacy Implementation Plan.
The Climate Legacy Strategy
The Climate Legacy Strategy is built upon Four Pillars. These pillars represent the key areas where we must focus our efforts and strategies to attempt to rebuild a healthy and resilient climate. Each pillar encompasses specific visions, goals, and actions. A crucial aspect of the Strategy is the distinction between areas within our jurisdiction and those where we can act through our co-jurisdictional influence.
Dual Vision Objectives
Climate Legacy is committed to achieving two overarching objectives to swiftly advance our mission of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050:
- Our Jurisdiction: Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resilience within our administrative boundaries, effectively reducing our environmental footprint while setting a pioneering example for responsible climate stewardship in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
- Our Co-Jurisdictional Influence: Using and extending our influence beyond our jurisdiction to foster a broader impact, ensuring that proactive actions lead to transformative change ̓ in our entire Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Aysáych.
The Pillars
Our Vision
- The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw buildings, transportation, and energy systems are in harmony with the environment and are adapted to climate change.
- Through our co-jurisdictional influence, we guide development of complete and resilient communities in our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Aysáy̓ch.
Our Vision
- Our land and waters are stewarded and protected by our people, and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw is food-secure and sovereign, in alignment with our traditional teachings.
- We assert our inherent rights and title to address the ecological decline brought about by the climate emergency and to restore our ecosystems, ensuring the well- being, stability, and resiliency of our people and all living creatures within our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Aysáy̓ch for generations to come.
Our Vision
- Our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw has strong economic independence supported by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-led sustainable economic development initiatives that provide green employment opportunities to our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People.
- We lead economic growth in line with the protection of our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Aysáy̓ch.
Our Vision
- By aligning our emergency preparedness, health services, community operations, and governance to climate action, we guarantee the health and resilience of our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
- We lead the way to ensure the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Aysáy̓ch is healthy and resilient in the face of the climate emergency.