Hannah Muhajarine, National Campaigns Manager

About me: Originally from Saskatoon, I now live in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory. I have a master's degree in natural resource management from the University of Manitoba, and a background in research, organizing and advocacy, and food sovereignty. Past experiences include leading community-based conversations across Canada on the connections between climate change and income insecurity with the Green Resilience Project, and contributing to the Road to Resilience, an alternative climate plan for Manitoba. I have also been involved in grassroots climate justice organizing for over five years.

My role: I am excited to be part of Climate Reality Project Canada as the National Campaigns Manager. A large part of my role is leading the National Climate League Standings, coordinating volunteers from the CRPC network and beyond with municipalities and research institutions to ensure strong community engagement, input, data collection and sharing. I also support the NCL writing process, to ensure the coherence and soundness of the data and information being presented.

Why did you join the climate movement/what made you interested in climate change issues?

Learning about how climate change intersects with other issues, like social justice, income security and labour issues, and Indigenous sovereignty was really important. Learning that not only is it possible to create a society that doesn’t depend on fossil fuels, but that it’s also an opportunity to redesign systems to be more fair and just, and that create a higher quality of life for more people has been really inspiring.

What accomplishment are you proud of?

I’m proud of some of the climate justice organizing I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of, on both more local issues in Manitoba and across Canada. It’s a while ago now, but being a part of the climate strike in 2019 was a huge inspirational moment.

What climate change initiatives are you currently involved in?

In my spare time, I sit on the board of Fireweed Food Coop (https://www.fireweedfoodcoop.ca/) which runs the first Food Hub in Manitoba. Fireweed is helping grow the local food economy by acting as an aggregator and distributor of local food, supporting small-scale farmers to reach a larger market. It’s a really cool and unique initiative!

What do you think is the most effective way for people to take action for the climate?

There are obviously a ton of different pieces involved in taking effective action on climate, and people are positioned to play different roles. I think people getting involved in creating and giving input on creative and progressive policy solutions and then putting pressure on political leaders to implement those policies is important; as is supporting anti-extractive Indigenous-led movements like the Wet’suwet’en; getting together to implement local solutions in our own communities; creating art that can help shift our cultural narratives and values and spread hope....

I guess what I think is effective is anything that involves collective action, rather than focusing solely on individual consumer choices!

What is a fun fact about you?

In my spare time, I really enjoy playing the banjo!