(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – November 21, 2025): Algoma University’s Faculty of Cross-Cultural Studies (FCCS) continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening global partnerships and advancing international dialogue on climate justice, biodiversity, and territorial governance.
Members of the Institute of Peoples, Territories and Pedagogies for Peace (IPTP) worked alongside Indigenous and Afrodescendant communities and organizations in the development of an International Inter-ethnic Environmental Alliance over the past number of months, resulting Joint Declaration of the Interethnic International Alliance for Life, Biodiversity, and Environmental Governance, signed by over 40 organizations, and launched at COP 30 in Belem, Brazil.
This, along with other important declarations, contributed to advancing the significant recognition of Afrodescendants and Indigenous peoples, and new texts featured prominently at COP30 and the Peoples’ Summit in Belém, Brazil. Dr. Sheila Gruner, Associate Professor of Community Economic and Social Development and Director of the IPTP, participated along with a team of dedicated staff, Council members and others, in efforts to raise visibility of the importance of a united grassroots voice to demand climate action and be recognized for the pivotal role First Nations along with other Indigenous and Afrodescendant people play in addressing the climate crisis and protecting/governing over lands and territories.
Developed over a series of international and regional gatherings during 2025, the declaration calls for the protection of ancestral territories, the recognition of ancestral knowledge systems, and the meaningful participation of Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples in environmental governance. At COP30, Dr. Gruner co-moderated the international launch of the declaration and was joined at the summit by partner organizations from Robinson Huron Waawindamaagewin (RHW), Jamaica, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil. “Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples have always played a critical role in climate change mitigation through protecting sensitive and carbon-rich ecosystems,” shared Dr. Gruner. “Research, curriculum, and academic programming supporting learning in these areas are absolutely key.”
This work reflects Algoma University’s commitment to research, academic programming, and intercultural learning that respond to global social, economic, and environmental challenges. Through sustained partnerships with frontline communities, the University continues to strengthen its role as a leader in collaborative, community-driven climate and governance solutions.
To learn more about the Faculty of Cross-Cultural Studies at Algoma University, click here. The full Declaration and updates on this visit click here.
Share Article
