Indigenous Climate Action Program

The Indigenous Climate Action Program (ICAP) gives children and their caregivers the tools to (re)connect with nature.

Initiative level: National & Regional Impact

Project Summary

The Indigenous Climate Action Program (ICAP) is a self-guided program gives children and their caregivers the tools to (re)connect with their home. We explored the meaning of “home” by venturing together on a journey of interconnection, guided by a combination of Indigenous and western worldviews and teaching styles. We discovered and celebrated our connection to each other and to the ecosystems upon which we depend, helping to foster environmental and cultural literacy. The program instilled the values of responsibility and respect for all life while strengthening the connection between children and their local environments and communities.

The Indigenous Climate Action Program is now seeking a cohort of elementary teachers to help build programming for primary aged children founded in Indigenous pedagogies, values and principles.

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National & Regional Impact

Indigenous Climate Action Program

IISAAK Olam's Role

The IISAAK OLAM Foundation designed and developed the program based on our mandate to create educational opportunities that honour Indigenous worldviews. Our goal was to create affordable opportunities for families to learn about the natural environment within the proximity of home. We established partnerships with Saanich Parks and the Pacific Peoples' Partnership, and engaged Indigenous Elders and knowledge holders to support program delivery.

Timeline

2020 to present

Where it's at now

The Indigenous Climate Action Program is now engaging elementary teachers across Vancouver Island and beyond to help build programming for primary aged children founded in Indigenous pedagogies, values and principles.

Get involved

Teachers are invited to participate in a focus group on February 6, 2024 from 4:30pm to 6pm PT entitled 'Reconciliation in the Classroom' to inform the development of educational tools, lesson plans, and other materials that will support them to include Indigenous worldviews within and beyond the classroom.

MODULE 1 DISCOVERING HOME

In this module, we explore the question, “What is home?” Is it the house we live in or something more?

MODULE 2 WONDERFUL WATER

In this module, we explore the question, “What is so wonderful about water?” With water an essential part of life, discover the water around you and why we need to take care of it.

 

 

MODULE 3 THE AIR WE BREATHE

In this module, we explore the question, “How is air a part of our home?” And how is it linked to trees? How do we learn about something we cannot see?

 

View the reports on our work so far

Indigenous Climate Action Program 2020 Final Report

Indigenous Climate Action Program 2021 Final Report

Partners