Credit: Eoin Ryan (McMurray, C. (2025). » Building a climate neuroscience subfield: Q&A with Angie Michaiel. Thetransmitter.Org.https://www.thetransmitter.org/community/building-a-climate-neuroscience-subfield-qa-with-angie-michaiel/)

In addition, public health impacts include the unavailability of multiple medical facilities or supplies, understaffing, malnutrition, and more. As part of displacement, many seek refuge in neighbouring areas, which poses a threat to their cultural preservation and may cause further anxiety in the host country.

Canadian Case Study: Indigenous Disaster Displacement (IDMC)

Indigenous peoples in Canada are disproportionately represented in disaster displacement; Indigenous peoples (including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples) represent ~5% of Canada's population, but ~16% of those who were internally displaced in 2023.

Much of this may be attributed to the location of reserves. Most exist in remote areas with a lack of resources for disaster prevention or response in case of wildfires, and low firefighting priority. Furthermore, limited transportation and evacuation capacity (fewer roads available) call for departure by plane or boat.

Because of Indigenous peoples' unique connection with the land, driving them away from traditional lands into more prone areas increases vulnerabilities and threats to cultural preservation. For instance, wildfires turn the environment into an uninhabitable place for wildlife, which many communities rely on for food and hunting.

The heightened frequency and intensity of natural disasters (due to climate change) impair the overall well-being of Indigenous groups. Due to a major flood in 2013, the Siksika First Nation suffered from over 6 years of displacement. Upon their return, approximately a fourth of the land was lost, and much of the water was contaminated, hindering access to traditional medicines. In turn, the general health and identity suffered. As a result, many relocated to trailers along a very dangerous highway, with poor heating, accessibility (difficult for those with mobility/special needs), utilities, and, not to mention, no cooking was permitted. Due to these inadequate living conditions, many suffered from poor mental health and felt imprisoned.

Various Indigenous groups have advanced/specific knowledge on disaster preparation that may be useful to integrate into climate change plans, such as cultural burnings that reduce vegetation (decreasing risk) and enhance biodiversity. To combat these struggles, Canadian authorities must collaborate with Indigenous peoples, requiring cooperation and communication.

Displacement Resources

1. Climate Games

• Climate Adaptation Game - Sweden's Meteorological Institute

• Carbon Calculator - ClimateHero

• Survive the Century 

• The Climate Game 

2. How to Help with Displacement

• UNHCR 

• IRC 

• Oxfam 

• Local displacement groups in your community

• Community involvement and volunteering to help immigrants integrate smoothly

• Raising awareness!

References

Akram, S., & Mustaq, S. (2024, December 18). Environmental change and floods: the long-ignored effects of displacement on mental health. Frontiers in Public Health. 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1434123 

Binon, E. (2024, June 21). Canada's Indigenous peoples increasingly at risk of disaster displacement. Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://www.internal-displacement.org/expert-analysis/canadas-indigenous-peoples-increasingly-at-risk-of-disaster-displacement/ 

McCarney, R., & Kent, J. (2021, January 5). Forced displacement and climate change: Time for global governance. World Refugee and Migration Council. https://wrmcouncil.org/news/analysis/forced-displacement-and-climate-change-time-for-global-governance/ 

Sukiasyan S. (2024). The Mental Health of Refugees and Forcibly Displaced People: A Narrative Review. Consortium psychiatricum, 5(4), 78–92. https://doi.org/10.17816/CP15552