Backgrounder: Indigenous collaboration at PICS

The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions funds multiple projects and initiatives co-led and co-created by Indigenous communities, organizations, and Nations. This form of collaboration, supporting the weaving of Indigenous Knowledges and sciences with Western research practices, is a pillar of PICS’ Strategic Plan: 2024 and Beyond.

A few examples:

PICS signed the Relationship Protocol between First Nations Leadership Council and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions in winter of 2025 to support respectful, reciprocal, and relationality research that aligns with the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by First Nations in BC.
Across BC, PICS funds the$1-million Climate Resilient Solutions in Rural and Remote B.C. project, co-led by University of Victoria’s Dr. David Barlow and Simon Fraser University’s Dr. Nancy Olewiler and in partnership with the First Nations Housing and Infrastructure Council, BC Housing and Technical Safety BC. The project centres rural, remote, and Indigenous communities needs to flourish despite climate challenges.
In communities served by the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and Skidegate Band Council, Tsimshian and Nuu-chah-nulth scholar Dr. Cliff Atleo with Simon Fraser University is co-leading PICS-funded research with these Nations on how to convert coastal communities to cleaner boating fuels.
In Gitanyow territory in northwestern B.C., University of British Columbia researcher Dr. Kira Hoffman works in co-leadership with the Gitanyow Nation and Gitanyow Lax’yip Stewardship Guardians on a PICS-funded project to restore cultural fire regimes and ecosystem-based management to the territory, to prevent wildfire.
In the coastal waters of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’ xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv Nations, research by the Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance and Simon Fraser University funded by PICS looked at the climate challenges faced by kelp beds off B.C.’s coast. The research found interventions may help the kelp endure.
Climate leader Siila (Sheila) Watt-Cloutier is PICS’ inaugural Indigenous Climate Fellow, and is working with the institute to increase Indigenous leadership in climate change research, education, and policy.