A ‘crisis communication gap’ threatens Indigenous peoples

This story is outside the usual scope of Retrofit Relay, which focuses on home energy upgrades, rebates, and efficiency programs for homeowners. It concerns emergency communication gaps facing Indigenous communities during wildfires and other disasters, and a United Nations study on how colonialism, language barriers, and exclusion from decision-making leave Indigenous peoples more exposed to climate and conflict risks.

The reporting describes cases in Canada, Russia, Ethiopia, and New Zealand where alerts and disaster information are not issued in Indigenous languages, leaving elders and families without timely warnings during wildfires, floods, and storms. It also covers a UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples session in Geneva, where delegates called for direct consultation with Indigenous governments on disaster preparedness and pointed to historical injustice as a root cause of ongoing vulnerability.

There is no information here about home energy efficiency, rebates, heat pumps, weatherization, or any program a homeowner could use to lower energy costs or upgrade their house. If you're looking for that kind of guidance, check back for our regular coverage of rebate programs and efficiency incentives.