GLACIER FUTURES

Climate change is transforming watersheds, raising unprecedented challenges for local communities and the lands and waters they rely on. Glacial retreat in northern BC, southern Yukon, and Alaska is a powerful and important example of climate change. This region is changing very rapidly, with profound consequences for local communities, lands, waters, fish, and wildlife. As they change, these ecosystems are also facing pressures from industries such as mining. While some mines can provide minerals critical to society, there is a long history of poor mining practices that have caused profound harm in the region.

 

Across this region, there is a need and opportunity to share learnings and paths forward. Local experts and scientists from various First Nations and collaborating organizations are studying how their lands and waters and their fish and wildlife are responding to rapid climate change.

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The glaciers, people, and ecosystems of this region have interwoven stories, yet different cultures and histories have had fundamentally different perspectives. In her book “Do Glaciers Listen?”, Cruikshank states that: “The historical and cultural crevasses separating Indigenous oral traditions from narratives of geophysical science seem so deep that they rarely intersect."  There is work to be done to bridge ways of knowing and to take positive steps in crossing these crevasses. 

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We aim to support forward-looking, proactive stewardship of these rapidly changing watersheds to advance climate adaptation and resilience for ecosystem and cultural health. Here, a group of academic and Indigenous experts, united by a shared interest in glacier futures, share resources and links related to a gathering held in Whitehorse in May 2026. This gathering brought together Indigenous leaders, community members, and researchers to share and inform collaborative stewardship across regions. Click here to learn more about the Glacier Futures Gathering.