Climate change and First Nations

"In the past, most research related to climate change has either been focused on the identification of potential impacts of climate change or the development of mitigation measures to lessen the scale of predicted climate change (through measures to decrease greenhouse gas production and release). It has not been until recently, that research focused on adaptation has become more important in the scientific and social scientific communities. Despite considerable examination of impacts and adaptations of climate change on a global and a Canadian regional scale, relatively little attention has been paid to identifying the impacts of climate change on the physical, social, cultural, and environmental aspects of First Nations, and adaptation and mitigation options for First Nations. By way of example, the Natural Resources Canada report, "Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation: A Canadian Perspective", mentions the terms "First Nation" or "Aboriginals" ten times in total. The Third Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change similarly makes little reference to First Nations in the southern parts of Canada when discussing adaptation or vulnerabilities associated with climate change. Much consideration was given to Inuit and Northern Aboriginal communities in the Arctic; however, more consideration needs to be given to First Nation communities in the south as well."