Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu has announced that all 48 First Nations in Alberta will now have a funded emergency manager coordinator position to help plan for and respond to wildfires. This initiative is part of the federal government’s 2024 wildfire outlook and aims to provide communities with the support needed to prepare for emergencies. Nearly 80 per cent of First Nation communities are at risk due to wildfires, making this additional support crucial for their safety and well-being. Conroy Sewepagaham, chief of Little Red River Cree First Nation, emphasized the importance of infrastructure support, especially in isolated areas where access to goods and services is challenging.
The chief explained that the community of Fox Lake, located in northern Alberta, has faced multiple evacuations due to wildfires, with last summer resulting in the loss of 475 infrastructure units, including 100 homes. The area’s isolation makes it difficult to bring in necessary supplies and equipment, particularly in emergencies. Sewepagaham highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements to facilitate evacuations and emergency response efforts. Despite having coordinators in place, without adequate equipment and infrastructure, the effectiveness of their emergency preparedness efforts may be limited.
The federal government is also providing advance payments to Indigenous communities across Canada to help with wildfire preparedness. Instead of reimbursing costs after the fact, communities can now proactively plan for infrastructure and evacuation needs ahead of time. An Indigenous Emergency Management Working Group has been established to address Indigenous emergency management issues and incorporate traditional knowledge into firefighting strategies. This collaborative approach aims to empower communities to manage wildfires in a self-determined manner.
The 2024 wildfire outlook for Canada is concerning, with early modelling indicating the potential for another catastrophic fire season. Weather trends forecast a higher risk of wildfires from Quebec to British Columbia due to a warmer-than-normal winter, minimal snow, and widespread drought conditions. Already, approximately 70 fires are burning in B.C., Alberta, and the Northwest Territories, some of which started in 2023 and have resurfaced in 2024. The federal government is working to support Indigenous communities in preparing for and responding to wildfires, recognizing the importance of incorporating traditional knowledge and building capacity for self-determined emergency management.
Sewepagaham expressed concerns about the upcoming fire season and the potential challenges his community may face, particularly with limited access to essential resources and infrastructure. The anxiety levels are high, and residents are worried about a repeat of past evacuation experiences. The federal government’s support in providing emergency management coordinators and advance payments for wildfire preparedness is crucial in helping Indigenous communities like Little Red River Cree First Nation to mitigate risks and improve their response capabilities. By working in partnership with Indigenous communities and incorporating traditional knowledge, the government aims to enhance their ability to manage wildfires effectively and keep residents safe.
Looking ahead, the federal government’s focus on enhancing wildfire preparedness and response efforts for Indigenous communities is essential for safeguarding the well-being of those at risk. By providing resources, funding positions for emergency coordinators, and incorporating traditional knowledge into firefighting strategies, the government is taking proactive steps to address the heightened wildfire risks facing Indigenous communities. The collaboration between Indigenous communities and government agencies through the Indigenous Emergency Management Working Group reflects a commitment to empowering communities and building their capacity for self-determined emergency management. As Canada braces for a potentially challenging fire season in 2024, these initiatives will play a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of Indigenous populations.
