Letter Climate Change Emergency Declaration

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200-1627 Fort Street, Victoria BC  V8R 1H8 
Telephone  (250) 405-5151    Fax  (250) 405-5155 
Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 660-2421.  Elsewhere in BC 1.800.663.7867 
Email  information@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Web  www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
 
Bowen  Denman  Hornby  Gabriola Galiano  Gambier  Lasqueti  Mayne  North Pender  Salt Spring  Saturna  South Pender  Thetis 
 
May 27, 2019 
 
Via Email 
 
BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin) First Nation  
Cowichan Tribes  
Halalt First Nation  
Homalco First Nation  
Klahoose First Nation 
K’ómoks First Nation  
Lake Cowichan First Nation  
Lekwungen (Songhees) Nation  
Lyackson First Nation  
MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) Nation  
Penelakut Tribe 
Qualicum First Nation  
Scia’new (Beecher Bay) First Nation  
SEMYOME (Semiahmoo) First Nation 
shíshálh First Nation 
Snuneymuxw First Nation 
Sḵwx
̱
wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation  
Snaw-naw-as (Nanoose) First Nation SȾÁUTW
̱
 
(Tsawout) First Nation  
Stz’uminus First Nation  
SXIMEȽEȽ (Esquimalt) Nation 
Tla’amin (Sliammon) Nation  
Tsawwassen First Nation 
Tsleil-Waututh Nation  
T’Sou-ke Nation  
Wei Wai Kum (Campbell River) First Nation 
We Wai Kai (Cape Mudge) First Nation  
W
̱
JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) First Nation  
W
̱
SIḴEM (Tseycum) First Nation 
xʷməθkʷəy
̓
əm Musqueam 
 
Dear Chief & Councils/Hegus and Legislators: 
 
Re: Climate Change Emergency Declaration 
 
On March 13, 2019, the Islands Trust Council declared a climate emergency. The declaration is rooted in 
deep concern for future of the islands and waters of the Salish Sea. Many local governments and First 
Nations around the world are taking these steps as we all realize the impacts of climate change within 
our communities. We understand that the BCAFN Chiefs Assembly recognized in March that the 
breakdown of the stable climate and sea level under which human civilization developed constitutes a 
climate emergency. 
 
As the Islands Trust develops additional climate plans and strategies there will be a central focus on 
equity so that efforts to transition away from fossil fuels will be done in ways that prioritize those most 
vulnerable to climate impacts and most in need of support in transitioning to renewable energy. 
 
The Islands Trust Council has recognized that if we work together it will intensify all actions. The Islands 
Trust Council seeks to work with you to pursue policies and processes that preserve and protect the 
lands and waters that since time immemorial have been your home. We will be in touch soon about our 
intention to seek your input on our plan to engage with First Nations and the community to understand 
the visions for the future of the islands in the Salish Sea. 
 

 
Climate Change Emergency  
May 27, 2019 
Page 2 
  
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It is our hope that together we can play a leading role in protecting our children and future generations 
from the devastating impacts of climate change. We look forward to hearing from you or your staff 
about any opportunities to cooperate. Please do not hesitate 

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