Wendake, November 24, 2025 – The 30th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP30) ended this Saturday in Belém, confirming once again that three decades of negotiations have failed to translate promises into concrete action. Meanwhile, the impacts of the climate crisis are intensifying, particularly for us, First Nations, who are suffering the consequences on our territories, our health, our languages, and our ways of life.
While the international meeting served as a reminder of the scale of the climate emergency, it also highlighted the current weakening of Canadian leadership: low ambition in negotiations, continued support for the expansion of fossil fuels, and Canada being awarded the satirical “Fossil of the Day” prize for the first time since 2014. In Quebec, as the government consults on its new climate target for 2030, Bill 7 would allow the Electrification and Climate Change Fund to be used for other priorities, raising concerns about the consistency of provincial climate action.
However, COP30 marked a step forward with the adoption of the Just Transition Mechanism, which recognizes that all climate actions must respect the rights of indigenous peoples, including the right to free, prior, and informed consent, and ensure their full and meaningful participation in all decisions. The Mechanism affirms that these actions—from emissions reduction to adaptation, resilience building, and capacity building—are inseparable from the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity.
In light of these findings, the AFNQL reminds governments:
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To continue efforts to reduce greenhouse gases with ambitious targets in order to limit climate damage;
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To respect the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in climate policies—in particular the rights to self-determination and free, prior, and informed consent, in accordance with the Just Transition Mechanism adopted at COP30.
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To implement legislative reconciliation that incorporates ancestral and treaty rights into climate laws and ensures the direct participation of First Nations in decision-making processes;
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Adequately finance climate action and adaptation to protect communities and support their leadership;
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Addressing the climate and biodiversity crises jointly, as they are deeply interconnected and require holistic solutions. Indigenous protected areas represent such solutions and must be implemented.
In parallel with COP30, the People’s Summit held in Belém brought together indigenous peoples from around the world, culminating in a march for climate justice that drew 70,000 people. This mobilization is a powerful reminder that solutions to the climate crisis cannot be developed without the participation of the indigenous peoples who protect and inhabit these territories. First Nations are ready to be partners in this transition, but this requires genuine recognition of our rights, our knowledge, and our role as guardians of the land. It is time for the governments of Canada and Quebec to finally fulfill their commitments to First Nations and to future generations.