Our People Our Climate in Manitoba (2022)

2019-2020: The Original Pilot

In 2019, the Government of Canada took a significant step towards addressing climate change impacts in the Arctic by investing $200,000 through the Climate Action Fund to support educational initiatives in Nunavut. This arts and climate entrepreneurship pilot program was made possible through Environment and Climate Change Canada and commissioned by the Ilinniapaa Skills Development Centre (iSDC) to foster climate change awareness and action among Inuit populations, particularly focusing on youth, students, and local business leaders. Recognizing the rapid warming of Canada’s North, which is occurring at a rate three times faster than the global average, this initiative was part of a broader national strategy aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and transitioning to a cleaner economy.

The project, named “Our People, Our Climate,” set out to provide comprehensive education on climate change and energy conservation through a culturally relevant framework. iSDC developed a five-module training program tailored for Inuit communities, available in both English and Inuktitut, which encompassed critical information on climate initiatives. This education initiative emphasized strengthening Indigenous traditional knowledge and cultural perspectives, highlighting their importance in shaping effective climate action.

The original pilot project, launched in 2019-2020 featured partnerships with organizations such as the Centre for Contemporary Arts Glasgow, ilinniapaa Skills Development Centre in Iqaluit, and the University of Minnesota Duluth. Participants Anna Irwin, Chelsea Qammaniq, Kendra King, Carmen Barrieau, and Peter Lucassie brilliantly wove their film footage and photographs into the spine of this documentary. Their work is enriched with artistic contributions from Kinngait (Cape Dorset) and Baffin Island, showcasing journeys through which these young storytellers evolved their skills—even amidst lockdown conditions. The project was presented during the 2020 Arctic Change conference with ArcticNet.

Additionally, iSDC engaged a wide array of stakeholders in Iqaluit, including those representing diverse sectors such as social and market-based housing, commercial spaces, and government housing. By involving these stakeholders, the project aimed to address specific learning needs and knowledge gaps, thereby enhancing the resilience and capacity of the community to adapt to climate challenges. Through these efforts, the project hoped to equip future leaders with the skills necessary for energy advocacy and sustainable development, ultimately contributing to Canada’s national climate goals.

2022: Manitoba and Minnesota

In 2022, a Manitoba version of the program was delivered with funding from the Manitoba Arts Council Share – Artists in Communities program. This special iteration was supported by the University of Minnesota Duluth and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

In 2022, the “Our People Our Climate: Winnipeg Summer Program” was launched exploring the use of Winnipeg as a hub. This initiative sought to explore how climate change impacts Indigenous youth and how participation in the arts could enhance resilience and improve mental health and well-being. The interdisciplinary team, with expertise spanning the arts, environmental, and social sciences, adopted a community-engaged and story-based approach to both research and arts-based creation. The project emphasized Indigenous-led structures, allowing community members to steer the exploration of their experiences and perspectives on climate change.

Working alongside urban and northern artists, the project utilized storytelling as a method to visually convey climate realities and influence policy to support resilience strategies. The Winnipeg-based Indigenous Digital Arts and Cultural Entrepreneurship Incubator, funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, played a key role in this initiative. This incubator focused on co-designing a training program for urban Indigenous youth, fostering arts industry employment through the integration of traditional knowledge, scientific insights, and modern technologies. 

The project engaged Indigenous artists from Northwestern Ontario, Nunavut, and Manitoba, who collaborated with researchers, arts educators, and professional artists. They explored the impacts of culture and creativity on community-based research and economic development. The project provided hands-on training and mentorship in digital arts, cultural entrepreneurship, and developed skills around digital technologies like animation, augmented reality, and immersive art. In April 2022 the project was presented during the artsincubator.ca first knowledge sharing symposium at Qaumajuq and the Winnipeg Art Gallery in April, and again in June as part of the Auviqsaqtuq 2022 Inuit Studies Conference.

This program worked with artists and community members to create sustainable self-employment opportunities through arts-based research and cultural entrepreneurship, increasing employability and artistic expression among Indigenous youth. By overcoming barriers to access and participation in the arts economy, the initiative nurtured emerging talents, provided skills training, and encouraged the growth of arts-based businesses.

2023: Visualizing Climate Change for Impact

In March 2023, the project again took centre stage, this time communicating the power of visual storytelling as part of the ongoing efforts to drive local environmental change. Highlighted by Balakrishna Pisupati from the United Nations Environment Programme, the sentiment “Visualisations can speak louder than words to lead local change” set the tone for a significant virtual workshop organized by the ACP MEAs 3 in collaboration with GRULAC Junior on March 7. This global event focused on elevating the storytelling and visualization skills of young leaders worldwide, empowering them to take definitive action on environmental challenges.

These iterations of Our People Our Climate was a complimentary, inclusive learning experience, made possible through the support of key partners, including the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the University of St. Thomas, and Colegio Hacienda Los Alcaparros. Together, they provided a platform for youth to harness visualizations as a tool not just for storytelling, but as a catalyst for tangible environmental change. The event underscored the vital role that young leaders hold in shaping sustainable futures and demonstrated the undeniable impact of visual narratives in advocating for local and global environmental action.