We hosted another exciting Youth Fire Prevention Bootcamp in North Vancouver this fall. The two-day program was an immersive experience, introducing students to the dynamic world of firefighting and instilling invaluable skills that extend beyond the realm of emergency response.
This fall, the Ft. Babine and Tachet fire departments celebrated as they replaced outdated equipment from the 1990s that had long surpassed its prime.
Recently, Tobacco Plains welcomed Dan Heaton, FNESS Regional Fire Services Officer, into their community to deliver Fire Governance information. The gathering’s turnout was strong with Chief and Council members participating both online and in person, along with the First Nation’s senior management and full-time Fire Chief.
We recently engaged with the Ulkatcho First Nation Fire Department for a day of skill refinement. By the day’s end, the Ulkatcho First Nation Fire Department achieved impressive milestones.
In November, our team was graciously welcomed into six Northern Stl’atl’imx communities: Tsal’alh, Xwisten, Xaxl’ip, Ts’kw’aylaxw, T’it’q’et, and Sekw’el’was. Our objective? To collaborate with local experts and initiate the framework for a new community Structural Defense Plan (SDP).
In the Ktunaxa Nation, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it (Tobacco Plains) and ?Aq’am have been forging a path towards self-reliance in the face of wildfires. This year, they’ve been on a journey acquiring skills and knowledge to protect their communities and preserve their traditions.
This fall, we were honoured to be invited by eight First Nation communities along the southern coast of British Columbia to provide first aid training to their members.
After a record-breaking wildfire season in British Columbia, it may be shocking to know that not all fire is bad. In fact, Indigenous peoples from around the world have been using “Good Fire” for tens of thousands of years to prevent “Bad Fires” and to promote healthy populations of flora and fauna.
In August, FNESS’ Reo Jerome and Kathy Ferguson conducted a 4-day training session and had 12 members come out and commit to joining the fire department.
The structural defense task force was assembled to help protect the community of Witset which was on evacuation alert because of the John Brown Creek Fire.
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.
kʷukʷscémxʷ
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.
News
Library
Videos
