May 8, 2015 – Vancouver, BC – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced that Canada has provided funding so that 10 British Columbia First Nations are more prepared to deal with wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.
Canada provided more than $90,000 for emergency preparedness activities in the First Nations, including:
- updating First Nations’ all-hazards emergency management plans, which includes training for emergency management personnel;
- performing tabletop exercises to test the plans;
- supporting integration of First Nations' emergency management structures with those of the province and nearby stakeholders; and,
- developing Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tools and resources for evacuations (e.g., updating evacuation routes and emergency service locations).
The 10 First Nations who participated in the emergency preparedness activities are Alexis Creek Indian Band, Esdilagh First Nation, Esk'etemc First Nation, Lower Kootenay Indian Band, St. Mary’s Indian Band, Toosey First Nation, Tl'etinqox Government, Xatśūll First Nation (Soda Creek Indian Band), Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Government and Yunesit'in Government.
This investment is funded from the $19.1 million in annual funding Minister Valcourt announced in November 2013 as part of a new approach to emergency management on reserves. The funds aim to assist First Nation communities with projects such as emergency management planning and preparation.
Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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