May 30, 2025
MAKE A PLAN, BUILD A KIT, BE INFORMED.
Because wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and climate change can have extreme impacts on First Nations communities, the First Nations Health Authority has prepared a three-page “Emergency Preparedness” guide with plenty of information on building a grab-and-go bag; creating a check-in system for family member, Elders, and neighbours and friends at highest risk; and providing phone numbers for medical help and mental health supports.
The Leq’á:mel First Nation and Emergency Operations Centre’s preparations, training exercises, and collaboration with other agencies are featured on the FNHA’s website. “Leq’á:mel is one of 15 Coast Salish nations actively supporting one another up and down the Fraser Valley, from places like Tsawwassen, Sumas, and Sq’éwlets,” according to the Centre’s Director Christina Cook.
First Nations’ Indigenous knowledge of the land-based, geographic features, access, limitations of critical infrastructure, location of safe zones and community demographics in their traditional territory are relevant to the safety of all. Indigenous knowledge holders often combine teachings passed down from ancestors with information acquired through their own experiences on the land, to provide wisdom and guidance for wellness and resilience during response and recovery.
(B.C. Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Indigenous Engagement Requirements Interim Guidance, pp. 32-33)
Indigenous Engagement Requirements Interim Guidance is a September 2024 document published by the B.C. Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. It is intended to support government and agencies to understand and implement the Indigenous engagement requirements (IER) set out in B.C.’s Emergency and Disaster Management Act, which replaced the former Emergency Program Act in 2023.
“The Indigenous engagement requirements are designed to enhance cooperation with Indigenous Peoples and support Indigenous input into emergency management. This will help to improve outcomes and address disproportionate impacts for Indigenous Peoples,” reads the introduction.
The BC Automobile Association is raising funds to support B.C. communities affected by wildfires by collaborating with Quw’utsun’ artist Charlene Johnny to create the BCAA Fireweed Pin. “Fireweed is a vibrant plant that flourishes after wildfires occur. It is one of the first signs of ecosystem recovery, initiating the restoration process to help regrow BC’s forests. It is a reminder of nature’s strength and our own as British Columbians,” reads the web page. The pin is available for $5 at BCAA service locations and auto service centres while supplies last.
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We acknowledge that the land on which we work is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.