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FIRST NATIONS’ EMERGENCY SERVICES SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (FNESS) IS A CHARITABLE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION INCORPORATED UNDER THE SOCIETY ACT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.

With the support of the First Nation Leadership Council, FNESS is the organization that communities reach out to for support and delivery of essential emergency and forest fuel management programs and services.

Our history

FNESS evolved from the Society of Native Indian Fire Fighters of BC (SNIFF), which was established in 1986. SNIFF’s initial objectives were to help reduce the number of fire-related deaths on First Nation reserves, but changed its emphasis to incorporate a greater spectrum of emergency services. In 1994, SNIFF changed its name to First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of BC to reflect its growing diversity of services provided.

 

The FNESS logo was designed in 1986 by artist Tom Stewart of Kitimat, BC at the age of 15. The logo represents the vision of a firefighter. The iris of the eye portrays the legendary fire moon spewing water onto the eye of the fire. The circle represents First Nations.

firefighter development program graduate with fness firefighter

First Nations’ Emergency Services Society believes in treating our membership, staff, clients, consultants and external organizations with integrity, respect, fairness and honesty.

Through leadership and wisdom, FNESS believes in recognizing the cultural diversity of all those involved. Working as a team to deliver programs, we are committed to being an open, credible, sincere and trustworthy organization.

OUR VISION

Empowering First Nation communities to be safer, healthier and more resilient.

OUR MISSION

To provide equitable access to high quality, community-centered, responsive and culturally safe emergency management support with and alongside First Nation communities.

OUR guiding values

Community-Centered

We place First Nations communities at the heart of our work, tailoring support to each community’s unique strengths and priorities.

Sustainable

We deliver programs and services that are adaptable, long-lasting, and aligned with the priorities of First Nations communities.

Culturally Responsive

We honour the diverse traditions and practices of the First Nations we serve, ensuring our support reflects their culture and protocols.

Collaborative

We partner with communities, leaders, and allies to provide wholistic support and share knowledge across all areas of emergency management.

Dedicated

Our Board and staff bring passion, skills, and commitment to advancing Indigenous-led emergency management across BC.

Wholistic

We value balance between the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of individuals, families, and communities.

Trauma-informed

We design programs and training that recognize the impacts of trauma and support pathways to healing and care.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Check out our Resources page for a library of useful documents,
or visit our News page to keep up with the latest from FNESS

RESOURCES
NEWS