Indigenous Led Climate Action
Working towards a system in which resources reach communities more directly, and Indigenous knowledge and governance shape responses from the outset.
About us
The International Indigenous Adaptation Network (IIAN) is a global Indigenous-led network, formed at the Adaptation Futures 2025 Indigenous Forum. It was established to connect Indigenous Peoples working on climate adaptation, strengthen knowledge exchange, develop equitable partnerships and create more direct pathways for climate finance to reach Indigenous-led priorities and initiatives. By linking communities and knowledge holders across regions with institutions able to support their work, IIAN aims to turn Indigenous leadership, knowledge and self-determination into tangible change.
Co-founded by Brett Huson (Hetxw'ms Gyetxw, Gitxsan Nation, Canada) and Lisa Tumahai (Ngāi Tahu, New Zealand), the network aims to create a global community of Indigenous Knowledge holders, leaders, researchers, and organisations to strengthen Indigenous-led climate action.
Indigenous Peoples lead the decisions, partnerships and finance that shape climate adaptation yet the way funding is structured limits how far they can take this work.
Indigenous Peoples look after at least a quarter of the world’s land and much of its biodiversity, yet they receive less than 1% of the funding set aside for climate adaptation.
<1%
80%
of climate-related aid supports Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities tenure rights.
of Earth’s biodiversity is estimated to be found on lands managed by indigenous Peoples.
What we do
Strengthen Indigenous authority
Support Indigenous Peoples to shape and lead adaptation implementation, policy, governance, partnerships and decisions.
Connect knowledge and practice
Build trusted relationships across regions for knowledge exchange, shared practice, learning and collaboration.
Move finance closer to communities
Develop direct and Indigenous-governed pathways for flexible climate finance shaped by community priorities.
The Ask
The IIAN Coordinating Circle is working with many organisations and communities that are already doing their day-jobs, running projects, leading businesses and community organisations. There is much in-kind value and support flowing in.
Contribute by helping to build our network, funding, connecting us to access finance networks, joining working groups and hosting national and regional outreach events online or in-person.
Who we are
Lisa Tumahai
Steering Committee
Aotearoa New Zealand
Tagaloa Cooper
Steering Committee
Apia, Samoa
Hetxw’ms Gyetxw Brett D. Huson
Steering Committee
Gitxsan, Canada
Kaeden Watts
Strategic Engagement Lead
Aotearoa New Zealand
Katherine Short
Coordinator
Aotearoa New Zealand
Events
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Pacific Indigenous Leadership: Transforming Climate Adaptation Finance and Decision-Making
Date and time: Tuesday 10 November at 11am - 11.50am
Venue: Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, COP31.
The session will explore how adaptation governance and finance can shift from consulting Indigenous Peoples to being led by them, drawing on practical examples from across the Pacific.
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Indigenous Leadership Across Waters: Transforming Climate Adaptation Finance and Decision-Making
Date and time: Friday 13 November, 4:00pm – 5:00pm (local time; still provisional)
Venue: Canada Pavilion, COP31
The session will look at how adaptation finance and decision-making can shift from consulting Indigenous Peoples to being led by them. It will bring together global Indigenous perspectives, including from Canada and the Pacific.
