The Assembly of First Nations hosted the three-day event in Ottawa to focus on advancing First Nations fire protection priorities
May 19, 2023 — Ottawa, Ontario, Unceded Traditional Algonquin Territory — Indian Services of Canada
An inaugural First Nations First Responders Gathering has been held in Ottawa over the past three days. The event brought together indigenous fire protection and emergency response leaders to explore how best to address the growing fire dangers facing First Nations.
Participants also included First Nations chiefs, fire chiefs and emergency responders, as well as Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Manitoba Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse. Valerie Gideon, Deputy Deputy Minister for Indigenous Services Canada, attended the event on behalf of the Honorable Patty Hajdu, Ministry of Indigenous Services.
The event featured panel discussions on topics, including:
- options for introducing fire protection laws and codes;
- threats and responses to forest fires;
- funding needs to upgrade First Nations fire departments;
- effective fire prevention strategies; and
- recruiting volunteers to fight fires and forest fires and more.
The Gathering also saw the release of a First Nations Fire Protection Strategy for 2023 to 2028: the first strategy of its kind developed jointly by the AFN and the Indigenous Services of Canada. The new strategy builds on previous strategies to combat the growing risks of climate change and promotes modern technology to plan, track and manage fire prevention. It works to improve fire safety for First Nations people living off reservations through partnerships with local governments, First Nations technical organizations, and nearby First Nations. Includes input from First Nations fire experts, First Nations community, and Tribal Council leaders, as well as the National Indian Fire Safety Council (NIFSC), First Nations Technical Service organizations, and others fire protection professionals.
Additionally, for this fiscal year, Indigenous Services Canada announced $10 million in new funding to support community needs. This is an immediate step the government is taking to support the objectives of the Fire Protection Strategy published today. Initiatives covered will include education and prevention, smoke alarm installations, building inspections not funded by Indigenous Services Canada, firefighter training and fire department communication projects.
Fire safety remains a serious issue for First Nations communities, especially the most vulnerable people. The First Responders Gathering and the new First Nations Fire Protection Strategy are elements of broader, long-term solutions to better address fire threats and help protect children and their families from losing their lives in a fire. that could have been avoided. Working alongside First Nations organizations, including the AFN, and Aboriginal and non-Indigenous partners in fire prevention and protection and emergency response, the Government of Canada will continue to take urgent action to improve fire prevention and protection. In the reservation.