Advancing Global Sustainable Futures

This week the Federation of Sovereign Nations’ (FSIN) Lands and Resources Secretariat hosted a two-day First Nations Summit for Advancing Global Sustainable Futures in Saskatoon to focus on what sustainable water governance looks like from First Nations perspectives.

This second annual gathering on building sustainable futures brought together First Nations leadership, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, practitioners, educators, and partners from government, industry, academia, philanthropy, and the non-profit sector to strengthen relationships, and explore practical pathways towards more resilient futures.

Treaty Commissioner Dr. Kathy Walker moderated the session on First Nations Water Governance and Legal Personhood Pathways with panelists, Shanice Mollen-Picard, Muteshekau-shipu Alliance; Chief Matthew ‘Todd’ Peigan, former Chief of Pasqua First Nation and a leader in water governance; and Barry Carriere, of Cumberland House Cree Nation.

Water governance from First Nations perspectives is key to exercising inherent jurisdiction, livelihoods and a way of life grounded in the health and well-being of our water bodies.

Other discussions included First Nations water, land, habitat, and resource stewardship; food sovereignty, agriculture, soil health, and climate resilience; major projects in clean energy and emerging technologies; Inherent and Treaty rights, legal personhood, and rights-based approaches to sustainability.