ISC BC Region Updates – August
The ISC BC Region Update is published by Indigenous Services Canada on approximately a bi-monthly basis. It is intended to provide First Nation leadership and administrations with timely information that focuses on funding announcements, program and service changes, as well as relevant initiatives from other federal departments, the provincial government and community partners. We welcome your feedback at the link at the bottom of this page.
Emergency events have a significant impact on communities. This special edition of the ISC BC Region Update provides important information about how to prepare and what to do in an emergency to ensure the health and safety of your community members and the protection of your critical infrastructure.
Key Contacts In Emergency Situations
Indigenous Services Canada works in partnership with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS), and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) to support First Nations through emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery in the event of a wildfire, drought or flood. In the event of an emergency this summer, the partners above will work in collaboration to ensure that First Nations in BC have the support needed.
Please see the attached Response Pathways document to learn how the partners are working together in emergency management situations.
Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
For emergency response support due to a wildfire, spring freshet, flooding or other emergency event, your first point of contact is EMCR at 1-800-663-3456. This connects to EMCR’s 24/7 Emergency Coordination Centre. You can also contact your regional EMCR office for information and updates on emergency events including evacuation alerts and orders.
During evacuations, community members are supported through the provincial Emergency Support Services (ESS) program. ESS provides short-term basic support to people impacted by disasters.
Indigenous Services Canada
For information regarding ISCs’ emergency management programs or funding supports, please contact the regional Emergency Management team at bcaandc.do@sac-isc.gc.ca or call 1-604-209-9709.
For information regarding ISC’s community infrastructure programs and funding supports, to prepare your community’s water infrastructure for drought, please contact your Community Management Officer (CMO) or ISC’s Capital inbox at projetsdimmobilisationscb-capitalprojectsbc@sac-isc.gc.ca.
First Nations’ Emergency Services Society
FNESS is available to support community emergency preparedness and response, and can be contacted at 1-888-388-4431 or 250-377-7600.
First Nations Health Authority
For information regarding FNHA programs and supports related to Health Emergency Management (HEM), please visit the FNHA website.
BC’s Wildfire Service
Report wildfire sightings or the presence of smoke to BC’s Wildfire Management Branch at 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular phones.
For current information on fire danger ratings, regional fire prohibitions and wildfire activity call 1-888-336-7378 (3FOREST).
9-1-1
If anyone in your community injured or experiencing a life threatening incident, you should immediately call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
Emergency Management Assistance Program
In partnership with First Nations, provincial and territorial governments and non-government organizations, ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) helps communities on reserve access emergency assistance services. EMAP aims to be flexible and culturally sensitive to provide funding to First Nations communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond to them using the 4 pillars of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery. For a full list of response and recovery supports, please see the attached list of eligible EMAP expenses.
Drought
British Columbia is experiencing severe drought conditions. Drought conditions can impact communities and individuals by reducing the amount of water available for community use. Under extreme conditions, water systems could run out of potable water and be unable to meet fire suppression requirements. Please see the attached Water Shortages and Drought Conditions Tips Sheet on how to best prepare and respond.
On August 23, 2023, the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society is hosting an information session for First Nations on Drought Preparedness & Response in collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Indigenous Services Canada, the First Nations Health Authority, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The information session is intended to provide information and answer basic questions regarding drought preparedness and response (including funding programs). You can join the information session scheduled for August 23rd from 10:30am to noon via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85077175159?pwd=WjIrVjNnTXE2VEE0ZmVOOVlIZDQvdz09 (Dial up: 778-907-2071 / Meeting ID: 850 7717 5159 Passcode: 21254). If you have questions or would like more information about the session, please contact Casey Larochelle at CLarochelle@fness.bc.ca.
Contact information
We would also like to take this opportunity to share the contact information for our Executive Leadership Team should you or your team need to reach out regarding specific programs or services within their respective areas.
- Regional Director General: Allyson Rowe / allyson.rowe@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Acting Associate Regional Director General: Angela McCarthy / angela.mccarthy@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Director, Community Infrastructure: Averil Lamont / averil.lamont@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Director, Programs and Partnerships: Dena Duncan / dena.duncan@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Acting Director, Emergency Management: Laura Aucoin / laura.aucoin@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Director, Lands and Economic Development: Michele Morandini / michele.morandini@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Director, Funding Services: Jody Kaden / jody.kaden@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Acting Director, Child and Family Services: Bill McArthur/ william.mcarthur@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Acting Director, Community Development: Carina Chow / carina.chow@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Manager, Communications: Hazel Desharnais / hazel.desharnais2@sac-isc.gc.ca
For Residential Schools information and inquiries, you can contact the following:
- National Coordinator: David Russell / david.russell@sac-isc.gc.ca
- BC Regional Liaison Officer: Mercy Mura / mercy.mura@sac-isc.gc.ca
Emergency Management Resources
Partnerships
- First Nations’ Emergency Services Society
- First Nations Health Authority
- Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
Wildfire Resources
- Regional EMCR Offices
- Emergency Support Services Program
- Emergency Management Assistance Program
- BC Wildfire Service
- Wildfire Preparedness Guide
- BC Wildfires Map
- Fire Danger Ratings
- Air Quality Advisories
Drought Resources
- Drought Planning Information for First Nations Communities
- Drought Information
- Water Conservation Tips
Additional Resources
Comments & Suggestions
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Previous Updates
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Applications are now open for the 2023 First Nations Well Being Fund!
For additional details on each funding stream and eligibility, and to apply: https://ow.ly/lSZ750PO29b
Register now for the 2023 FNPSS Conference – Taking Root!
To support BC First Nations public service, FNPSS offers paid registration, travel, and accommodation for two delegates per BC First Nation.
http://ow.ly/gIaf50Ox90u
Calling all Band Managers, CAOs and Executive Directors – mark your calendars! FNPSS’ Foundations of First Nations Administration (FFNA) course is being offered once again, beginning in August 2023.
For more information: https://ow.ly/BKig50OLHNG
Registration is now open for the 2023 FNPSS Annual Conference – Taking Root!
Join us for a thought-provoking two days to explore how First Nations governance administrations are "Taking Root."
http://ow.ly/gIaf50Ox90u
Interested in learning about some of our facilitators for this year? Read on to find out more!
https://fnps.ca/meet-the-facilitators-2023/
Applications are now open for the 2023 First Nations Well Being Fund!
Deadline to apply: December 31, 2023, 11:59pm (PST).
The First Nations Well Being Fund has been developed and is being implemented by FNPSS in order to support First Nations in their efforts to promote well-being, increase quality of life for all community members and reduce poverty at the community and Nation level.
There are two streams of project funding available: Stream 1: Community Projects and Stream 2: Planning Projects.
For additional details on each funding stream and eligibility, and to apply: ow.ly/rJQG50PO26M
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Register now for the 2023 FNPSS Conference – Taking Root!
We invite leadership, administrators, and senior managers from all BC First Nations, delegates from First Nations governance and service organizations, and government and other partners to join us for a thought-provoking two days that will explore how First Nations governance administrations are "Taking Root."
To support BC First Nations public service, FNPSS offers paid registration, travel, and accommodation for two delegates per BC First Nation.
ow.ly/gIaf50Ox90u
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Applications are now open for the BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship!
The scholarship supports Indigenous professionals in BC First Nation governments to access training for Administration or management of public services. Each scholarship is valid for up to two years in the amount of up to $1,500 and will be provided to the successful candidate(s) specified post-secondary institution upon proof of registration.
To learn more regarding eligibility and upcoming deadlines: ow.ly/C53c50PqOKP
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Peggy M Hewa Marambage
Last chance to register with our Early Bird pricing for the 2023 FNPSS Annual Conference – Taking Root!
We invite leadership, administrators, and senior managers from all BC First Nations, delegates from First Nations governance and service organizations, and government and other partners to join us for a thought-provoking two days that will explore how First Nations governance administrations are "Taking Root."
Through a series of keynote speakers, plenaries, workshops, and networking and partnership opportunities, participants will delve into the many ways strong roots for collective growth in First Nations governance and administration are being developed. Join us as we focus on building and gaining capacity through strong rooted governance systems, and people to bring them to life.
Register before August 31st for Early Bird pricing: ow.ly/gIaf50Ox90u
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Calling all Band Managers, CAOs and Executive Directors – mark your calendars! FNPSS’ Foundations of First Nations Administration (FFNA) course is being offered once again, beginning in August 2023. This introductory, comprehensive course will take place over 6-weeks in a hybrid model. This includes an in-person session at the beginning in Victoria, BC and an in-person session at the end in Prince George, BC. This course will be co-facilitated by leadership mentor and motivational speaker, Zandra Ross. FFNA will also feature expert facilitators and keynote speakers in areas such as Human Resources, Economic Development, Financial Fundamentals and more!
For more information please visit: ow.ly/el2e50OLHHO
Please note that registration is very limited!
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