Brigette DePape: Climate Justice and Community Action

We sit down with Brigette DePape, project manager and climate planner at Narratives Inc, who brings together climate advocacy, education, and community action in powerful ways. As someone who's been part of the climate justice movement for over 15 years, Bridgette offers both personal insights and practical solutions for addressing our climate crisis while building resilient communities.How early experiences connecting with nature—from bike rides through Seine River Forest to cleaning up garbage from the Seine River—shaped Bridgette's environmental passionWhy climate change isn't just an environmental issue, but a human rights issue that disproportionately affects marginalized communitiesThe critical importance of Indigenous-led climate solutions, from wind energy projects to protected and conserved areas like the Seal River WatershedReal-world strategies for families to reduce their carbon footprint, including insights from Bridgette's participation in the Live Net Zero challenge with Canadian GeographicHow wildfires have created a devastating feedback loop—becoming Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions while our boreal forests shift from carbon sinks to carbon sourcesThe intersection of climate justice and queer rights, and why inclusive spaces matter for building resilient communitiesPractical approaches to climate anxiety: acknowledging the fear while focusing on what we can control and influenceBridgette reminds us that while the climate crisis feels overwhelming, meaningful action starts with community—whether that's supporting evacuated families, advocating for wildfire prevention strategies, or creating the green jobs our economy needs for a just transition.As she powerfully states: "If we take care of the earth, the earth will take care of us, and if we destroy the Earth, the Earth will destroy us."Connect with Brigette: Narratives IncPoetry book: "Sun Compass" Get Involved: Learn about Indigenous Clean EnergyExplore the Live Net Zero ChallengeSupport Biz for Climate ManitobaFind queer-affirming spaces through the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce