Concurrent Sessions 1 | Feb 19, 2020 > (CS1-AI) First Nations Coastal Vulnerability Study: Learning from Community Experience

(CS1-AI) First Nations Coastal Vulnerability Study: Learning from Community Experience

posted on 4:20 PM, July 23, 2019

Moderator: Kelsey Taylor

Introduction to the Coastal Vulnerability Studies and Climate Adaptation Program

Presenter: Brent Baron

Indigenous Services Canada is working on a Coastal Vulnerability program for the First Nation communities for the West Coast with a step-by-step analysis of each of the 60 communities, assessing the hazards, identifying the communities exposure and working on reducing the communities' vulnerability to coastal events through a climate adaptation process. The level of effort includes community discussions, on-site investigations, LiDAR data collection, modelling, result assessments and annual workshops to create a dialogue, understanding and learning, through an engagement, empowerment and enhancement process.

Coastal Vulnerability Study Community Context – Old Massett

Presenters: Patrika McEvoy

This presentation is a journey into the history and traditional knowledge of Old Massett, leading into the path forward for the community. Learn how Old Massett, as Indigenous Coastal First Nations, have survived the waves of climate change, pre-contact, and how they can embrace this powerful history today to paddle forward. Patrika McEvoy will talk about how Old Massett can use their traditional laws and create a strong working relationship with government and industry in a way that upholds their Indigenous rights, which are basic human rights. Patrika will also speak on how Old Massett can get to where they want to be, so that they can face the realities of climate change together. 

Coastal Vulnerability Study Community Context – Nisga’a Village of Laxgalt’sap

Presenter: Andrew Robinson

The Coastal Vulnerability Study (CVS) is an ongoing project currently entering its fourth year. The project assesses risk to infrastructure in coastal First Nations communities from sea level rise, storm surge and tsunami. The project is divided into three phases: Phase 1 - the assessment phase; Phase 2 – the planning phase; and Phase 3 – the implementation phase. Communities are invited to participate with all assessment costs and community support costs provided by Indigenous Services Canada and First Nations Adapt. Phase 2 is funded by FN Adapt through project funding proposals submitted by the communities. Phase 3 work is funded through whichever body has the appropriate authority for the proposed work. This presentation showcases Phase 1 work during 2019 to 2020 in the Nisga’a Village of Laxgalt’sap.