The effects of climate change disproportionately affect indigenous people around the world, although they contribute to it the least.
That’s one message Manitoba’s regional chief to the Assembly of First Nations has taken to Marrakech, Morocco, where leaders from around the world have gathered for the United Nations climate conference.
Kevin Hart, who co-chairs the AFN’s committee on climate and the environment, told CTV Winnipeg indigenous economies are built on a harmonious relationship with nature.
At the conference in Marrakech, Hart has been meeting with indigenous leaders from countries across the world, as well as government leaders form the European Union, Central and South America, and the Pacific islands. He said he is seeking a platform to support indigenous peoples across the globe.
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When the voices of indigenous peoples are ignored, oppression occurs, said Hart.
He said he witnessed this first-hand when he visited the protest camp at Standing Rock in North Dakota, where indigenous tribes are opposing the Dakota Access pipeline.
“I was there, I was an international observer for the AFN, I saw the human rights violations,” he said.
In order to move forward with the battle against climate change, governments need to consult with First Nations, he said.
The conference in Marrakech wraps up on Friday.
