Strengthening First Nations Climate Leadership: Braiding Relationships, Knowledge Systems, and Inherent Responsibilities

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will host its 4th National Climate Gathering “Strengthening First Nations Climate Leadership: Braiding Relationships, Knowledge Systems, and Inherent Responsibilities”, on October 5-8, 2026, in Hamilton, Ontario.

The event will take place at the Hamilton Convention Centre, a venue that is located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the ‘Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement.

Building on the success of the three previous gatherings, our 2026 program will bring together First Nations experts, leadership, Elders, youth, women, 2SLGBTQQIA+, and other experts to share knowledge and to discuss and emphasize the solutions First Nations are advancing on the local, regional, national, and international stages in the face of rapid change. These multi-dimensional, interconnected, and interrelated solutions enable the connection between a healthy environment and everything else: our health, well-being, culture, language, water, food security, housing, and many others.

The evolution and completion of the AFN National Climate Strategy and First Nations Climate Lens was instrumental in positioning First Nations as climate leaders and active drivers of positive change, challenging conventional conceptualizations of First Nations as simply ‘vulnerable’ populations and passive recipients of climate impacts.

Shifting to the implementation of the AFN National Climate Strategy and Climate Lens, the 2026 Gathering will showcase First Nations’ stewardship approaches to climate action and conservation through a diverse range of panel presentations, workshops, video screenings, and other activities.

Who Should Attend?

• First Nations leaders and citizens
• First Nations environmental specialists
• Dedicated academics, Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs) and government officials