Interwoven in the discussions was the need for increased capacity on First Nations, specific to the First Nations Adapt program was the need for a dedicated climate change coordinator, technicians and specialists and emergency management personnel. Participants recognized that historically, there was many problems with recruiting and retention of qualified staff in First Nations. Attracting new talent in the technical fields is what many participants expressed as “difficult to achieve to say the very least”. Participants identified with having to hire outside consultants to conduct the work and that his hiring practice comes with its challenges, namely, it is not financially practical or feasible for long-term climate change projections.

An emphasis on finding a qualified community member(s) to lead climate change initiatives is preferred and that this investment in human capital would:

  • Improve community-based climate change project objectives
  • Provide employment and skills development opportunities for a First Nation
  • Increases First Nations service offerings to include climate change and environmental adaptation education programs and local service delivery projects
  • Enhance communications and related awareness information to the community and act as a climate change advisory service for First Nation communities, organizations and traditional territories