“We’re ready. Are You?” — FireSmart BC Calls on Community Members to Take Action as Wildfire Season Begins

I am a proud and strong Nlaka’pamux who was born and raised in Shulus (Lower Nicola Indian Band) and 14 Mile (Shackan Indian Band). My parents are Charlotte Joe of the Lower Nicola Indian Band and Maynard Joe of the Shackan Indian Band. My grandparents were Minnie Pierre and Herbert Pierre and Cyril Moses of the Lower Nicola Indian Band and Chief Anthony Joe and Rose Joe of the Shackan Indian Band.

I have over 20 years experience in Fire Services; during that time, I was a full-time firefighter for two years and had taken on the role of Fire Chief for over a year between two fire departments. I currently hold certificates in Emergency Management Exercise Design and Emergency Management; I have also completed the Emergency Support Services Director all through the Justice Institute of BC. I hold training in Incident Command System Level 300, Critical Incident Stress Management, as well as NFPA 1001, NFPA 1035, and NFPA 1041, among other certificates and licences. I am also employed in the Flood Mitigation Department as the Indigenous Engagement Manager with the City of Merritt which is actively working towards recovery and mitigation from the 2021Atmospheric River Event.

Over the years I have gained knowledge and experience in leadership, diversity, equality, and inclusion. My experiences and knowledge has made me a strong Nlaka’pamux (Scw’exmx)that I am today. I look forward to serving the FNESS Membership.

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Stephen Hunt, known to most as Sonny, is a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation.  He is an integral member of his community and has held many different position in emergency services there.  Sonny was previously a FNESS Board Member; he’s glad to be back and looks forward to serving the First Nations of BC through FNESS.

Walter Paul is from the Tla’amin First Nation which is located 100 miles north of Vancouver on the Sunshine Coast. Walter is a former chief of his nation for the past 4-years; as well a council member for 32 years. Walter is also a member of the Tla’amin Fire Department for 42-years of which 2-years as the Fire Chief.

Walter is proud to mention the Tla’amin Fire Department as of this year is the first fully accredited Aboriginal Department to have full service accreditation in BC. He believes in supporting First Nation communities to achieve healthy and safe communities through collaborative relationships and credible services

Michael Kelly is a member and an elected councillor of Leq’a:mel First Nation. Michael retired early after 35 years, when working with the BC Ministry of Highways. He has worked extensively within the Engineering Technical and Inspection component of highway construction. After leaving the Ministry of Highways in 2002, he worked as a machine operator within the public works section with the University Endowment Lands until 2009. Currently, Michael is a member of the Strategic Engagement Agreement board. He is a representative of the Sto:lo Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association for Leq’a:mel First Nation. Michael also works with the S.X.T.A. Governance working group and holds the fisheries portfolio for Leq’a:mel First Nation. With the changing landscape of the Forest Industry related to the First Nations in BC, Michael is committed to working with all groups involved diligently for positive progress.

I am a member of the NunatuKavut, Inuit of Labrador, currently working and residing in the qathet Region (upper sunshine coast), the Traditional Territory of the Tla’amin Nation. I have been with Tla’amin Fire Department, assisting with administrative supports and training as a firefighter and medical first responder since 2018. I also sit on the board for PR Therapeutic Riding Association, we provide equine therapy to improve the emotional, mental and physical health of children and adults with disabilities in the qathet Region. I work for a family business, enjoy volunteering at community events and participating in fire, medical and emergency response training. When I am not working or training, I am spending time with my children, out exploring the territory by land or sea, reading or curling. I look forward to working with FNESS. 

If I am not firefighting or doing fire prevention I am hitting the slopes snowboarding, playing hockey, playing music, hunting, hiking with my pups and/or traveling. I joined the Board of Directors to continue to build resilient First Nation Communities through First Nation Emergency Services Society Programs. Thank you for the opportunity.