Emily Eaton

University of Regina

Emily.Eaton@uregina.ca

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1358-7790

Journal of Australian, Canadian, and Aotearoa New Zealand Studies 6 (September 2026): 7-36, https://doi.org/10.52230/QQTY8446

Abstract:

Climate movements and scholars know they need to centre Indigenous Rights and Peoples in their visions of a new green world. Yet their low/no-carbon futures often fail to imagine a decolonized world and have not adequately incorporated the longstanding demands of Indigenous Peoples for self-determination, land reclamation and an existence in sovereign relationship to colonial states. In this article I challenge climate movements and scholars to be as radical about decolonization as they are about decarbonization. I do this using the climate movement’s own repertoire to develop two analogous principles and one tactic of climate justice that focus on supporting the longstanding demands of Indigenous peoples in so-called Canada. Analogous to phasing out fossil fuels and limiting growth, I suggest phasing out Canada and placing hard caps on Canada’s economy. Additionally, I use the example of fossil fuel divestment to suggest a campaign of divestment from Canada.

Keywords:

Decolonization, Indigenous Sovereignty, Climate Justice, Settler-Colonialism, Climate Change

Article