FNCI at COP29

The Respective Territories of the Haisla Nation, Nisga’a Nation, Metlakatla First Nation, and Halfway River First Nation, November 4, 2024 – Today, the First Nations Climate Initiative announced it will be joining the Government of Canada’s official delegation at the United Nations climate change conference, COP29, for the third consecutive year.

At the conference, FNCI will call for Federal and Provincial governments to open pathways to decarbonization through specific policy and regulatory adjustments that enable large net-zero infrastructure projects, boost economic development for British Columbia, and further reconciliation with First Nations.

• The FNCI Delegation Travelling to Baku, Azerbaijan, Includes:
• Darlene Hunter, elected Chief, Halfway River First Nation
• David Myers, Technical Representative, Halfway River First Nation
• Wes Sam, elected Chief, Ts’il kaz Koh First Nation, and Chair, K’uul Power
• Andrew Robinson, CEO, Nisga’a Lisims Government
• Miles Jolliffe, Advisor, Wet’suwet’en First Nation
• Robert Johnston, Executive Director, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, and Director
• Alex Grzybowski, Facilitator, First Nations Climate Initiative, and CEO, K’uul Power

Building on FNCI’s participation in COP27 and COP28, the group will present feasible decarbonization pathways, highlighting progress made in the implementation of its Climate Action Plan.

FNCI’s Goals for COP29 Are To:

• Showcase First Nations’ no- and low-carbon energy and resource projects that will add billions of dollars to provincial coffers and meet economic and climate challenges.
• Demonstrate Indigenous nature-based solutions (NBS) projects that protect traditional territories, create carbon sinks, and contribute to climate mitigation.
• Highlight progress in renewable energy infrastructure in northwestern B.C.
• Showcase two methane pyrolysis pilot projects in B.C., meeting global demand for hydrogen, derivative fuels, and graphite.
• Encourage collaboration with private and public sector partners through FNCI’s Canada-Asia Decarbonization Opportunities project.
• Promote Indigenous-led climate solutions as essential for a just transition to net zero and a healthier climate.
• Indigenous Nature-Based Solutions

FNCI is advancing Indigenous Nature-Based Solutions with projects in the traditional territories of the Halfway River First Nation and Nisga’a Nation. These projects cover thousands of hectares and create carbon sinks that sequester carbon from the atmosphere, protecting ecosystems essential to Indigenous cultures and the well-being of B.C. communities.

Call to Action:
FNCI urges the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada to adjust policy frameworks to expedite the implementation of Indigenous-led NBS projects and to reach agreements that equitably share offset benefits between governments.

Construction of Renewable Energy Infrastructure

In 2023, FNCI supported the founding of K’uul Power by eight First Nations to develop renewable energy projects. K’uul Power is expediting new transmission infrastructure construction in northwest B.C., critical for decarbonization and First Nations’ economic self-determination.

Call to Action:
FNCI calls on the Government of B.C. and the Government of Canada to invest proactively in Indigenous-led renewable energy infrastructure.

Implementation of Methane Pyrolysis Pilot Projects

FNCI Nations are developing methane pyrolysis pilot projects to convert methane to hydrogen and solid carbon with no emissions. This decarbonized energy source supports manufacturing of other fuels and meets growing international demand.

Call to Action:
FNCI calls for partnerships with Asian and Canadian public and private sectors to advance these technologies and accelerate the energy transition.

Progress on Canada-Asia Decarbonization Opportunities

FNCI’s Canada-Asia Decarbonization Opportunities project is now in its second phase, focusing on Canadian low-carbon exports’ benefits across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

Call to Action:
FNCI encourages policies and international partnerships that ensure Canadian low-carbon resources contribute directly to GHG reductions.

Decarbonization in Asia Event

At COP, FNCI will host Decarbonization in Asia: Contributions from Canadian Indigenous Communities & Their Partners, bringing together experts and policymakers to activate decarbonization opportunities in Asia.

Quotes

Darlene Hunter, elected Chief of Halfway River First Nation (FNCI Nation):
“Nature-based solutions are essential for climate change mitigation, protecting ecosystems, creating carbon sinks, and generating economic growth in B.C. We call on Provincial and Federal governments to join us in reaching carbon credit agreements for immediate climate impact.”

Chief Wes Sam, Ts’il kaz Koh First Nation, and Chair, K’uul Power:
“We are working on renewable energy projects benefiting B.C., fighting climate change, and achieving reconciliation. First Nations’ participation is both a legal and moral imperative.”

Andrew Robinson, CEO, Nisga’a Lisims Government (FNCI Nation):
“To solve the global climate crisis, we must work together internationally. FNCI is expanding partnerships across the value chain to realize the benefits of Canadian low carbon exports.”

Dr. Robert “RJ” Johnston, Executive Director, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University:
“Western Canadian low-carbon energy exports must be anchored by Indigenous consent and benefits, aligning with Federal and Provincial climate policies.”

Media Contacts for Interviews:

Chanda Hunnie
chanda@pacificresolutions.com
(204) 995-1555

Alex Grzybowski
alex@pacificresolutions.com
(250) 888-1534

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