The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) at the University of Victoria is proud to present A Radical Act of Hope, a new podcast featuring the story of Inuk climate and human rights advocate Siila (Sheila) Watt-Cloutier, PICS' inaugural Indigenous Climate Fellow.
Siila Watt-Cloutier is launching a new podcast, A Radical Act of Hope. Credit: Carson Tagoona
This limited-series podcast explores the life, work and wisdom of one of the world's leading voices on climate change, human rights and Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Watt-Cloutier calls her approach to climate advocacy "conscious leadership," which she developed through her experience as an Inuk woman rooted in tradition and culture, and refined as she became a global thought leader on environmental issues and climate change.
"Indigenous wisdom is the medicine the world needs. Our values, experience and relationship to the natural world help us to imagine and tell a different story for humanity and the planet, which can guide us towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
~ Siila Watt-Cloutier, PICS inaugural Indigenous Climate Fellow and host of A Radical Act of Hope podcast
The podcast blends memoir and advocacy, showing how lived experience can be a powerful tool for both personal transformation and policy change. It is hosted by Watt-Cloutier, along with PICS Executive Director Ian Mauro, her longtime colleague and friend, and Gitxsan and Cree-Métis climate researcher Janna Wale, PICS' Indigenous research and partnerships lead.
Siila Watt-Cloutier and Dr. Ian Mauro speak at "A Conversation with Siila Watt-Cloutier," an event held at UVic in April 2025. Credit: UVic Photo Services
"Siila Watt-Cloutier's pioneering work to connect climate change and human rights changed the way the world thinks about and addresses climate change; her message comes from the Arctic and has global impact," says PICS Executive Director Ian Mauro. "In this podcast, we take a deep dive into Siila's leadership, how it developed and how it can be a model for current and future generations."
Over its four episodes, the trio of hosts are joined by Indigenous women, leaders and changemakers. Together, they discuss climate conscious leadership as Watt-Cloutier models it an approach that prioritizes consensus, intergenerational wisdom and long-term stewardship.
- Episode 1: "A Shared Vision for Climate Solutions with Siila Watt-Cloutier" introduces Watt-Cloutier, her place in climate advocacy in Canada and on the world stage, and her approach to leadership and hope.
- Episode 2: In "The Beginnings of an Arctic Climate Leader," we return to Watt-Cloutier's Arctic childhood, to the experiences and teachings that shaped her understanding of leadership, and meet Leena Evic, a visionary leader in Inuit language and cultural resurgence.
- Episode 3: In "Making Climate Change a Human Right Issue," we join Watt-Cloutier as she transforms the way the world thinks about climate change and inspires a new generation of climate conscious leaders, including Wale.
- Episode 4: In the season finale, "A Call for Climate Conscious Leadership," Watt-Cloutier is joined by Indigenous women setting powerful examples in this form of leadership, including planetary health expert Dr. Nicole Redvers and former premier of Greenland Aleqa Hammond, a leading voice for Indigenous rights and climate resilience.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, the PICS website, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
A Radical Act of Hope is produced by PICS and Everything Podcasts, with support from The Gordon Foundation and the University of Victoria.
Watt-Cloutier's work with PICS, including the podcast, supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically No. 3 (good health and well-being), No. 5 (gender equality), No. 10 (reduced inequalities), and No. 13 (climate action). Learn more about the SDGs at UVic.
PICS catalyzes and mobilizes research, partnerships and knowledge that generate climate action. PICS is hosted and led by UVic in collaboration with Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia and the University of Northern British Columbia.
