Climate Resiliency Research

The Climate Action Secretariat (CAS) is developing a Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy to ensure that the Province and British Columbians are prepared for changing environmental conditions. To support this work, TWC collaborated with CAS to research and report on topics and resources relating to Indigenous climate resiliency, adaptation and response in Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. TWC collected information, perspectives, and key data on approaches to climate change response, adaptation and response within Indigenous communities, as well as techniques for engaging with Indigenous youth on climate change. Trends from across a comprehensive set of data sources were described in a final report, which will inform the development of the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.

Inuit Economic Sufficiency Research

The Economic and Business Opportunities Branch of Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) undertook a study to better understand the unique needs of different Inuit communities accessing governmental programs in Nunavik and Nunatsiavut. TWC was responsible for conducting interviews with key community members, completing a literature review for similar studies, analyzing data to identify actionable recommendations, and preparing a summary report. The research concluded that there was a need for more community support and outreach, including supporting application development, changing program length, and expanding the programs to include more community needs and traditional economy projects.

BC Housing

BC Housing is undertaking the development of a Reconciliation Strategy that will guide how they approach their work with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations in BC and establish a broader and more meaningful framework for how they conduct their business. TWC supported the first phase of this project by creating a What We Heard report, which involved engaging BC Housing’s staff, Board of Commissioners, and Indigenous partners on what they would like to see reflected in the Reconciliation Strategy. The project aimed to acknowledge the historic and ongoing marginalization of Indigenous peoples in BC on their ancestral and traditional territories, develop strong relationships between BC Housing and Indigenous peoples, enhance and support Indigenous self-determination, and work towards closing the socio-economic gap between Indigenous peoples and others. A copy of the report can be found at this link.

BC and shishalh Nation LUP

The shíshálh Nation and the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) jointly undertook a Socio-Economic and Cultural Assessment of the shíshálh Nation – British Columbia Land Use Plan to provide planners, stakeholders, and decision-makers with key information on cultural, social, and economic conditions and land use implications. TWC’s responsibilities included preparing the social and cultural accounts within the assessment and providing strategic advice throughout the process. Our team worked collaboratively with the Joint Land Use Planning Committee to create a methodology and framework for the assessment, as well as collect primary data, which included one-on-one interviews with shíshálh knowledge holders. The work was encapsulated in a baseline report on current land uses, within the planning area.

Case Studies of Indigenous Knowledge and Science in Impact Assessments

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada contracted TWC to develop a report on how to better weave together Indigenous worldviews and Western science worldviews. TWC prepared this report for the Agency by conducting a literature review, facilitating interviews with Indigenous Knowledge and science practitioners from across Canada, and documenting their knowledge and experience. The final report helped the Agency understand the relationships between these worldviews by featuring case studies and actionable approaches for interweaving different worldviews and types of knowledge. A copy of the report can be found at this link.