ISC BC Region Updates
The ISC BC Region Update is published by Indigenous Services Canada bi-monthly. It is intended to provide First Nations 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.
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.
In this issue:
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.
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 (toll free) or 250-377-7600.
General inquiries – info@fness.bc.ca
After hours assistance – dutymanager@fness.bc.ca or 1-888-822-3388
First Nations Health Authority
For information regarding FNHA programs and supports related to Health Emergency Management (HEM), please visit the FNHA website. The FNHA Health Emergency Management can be reached at HEM@fnha.ca or 1-800-317-7878 (toll free).
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 is 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 four pillars of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery. For a list of response and recovery supports, please see the attached list of eligible EMAP expenses.
Emergency Management Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness program
The ISC Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness (NSMP) funding stream under the Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) prioritizes support for local efforts through projects that address emergency preparedness and mitigation against natural hazards risks. A call for proposals was shared with all communities in March 2024. Proposals are accepted throughout the year and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until funding is spent. The NSMP initiative includes, but is not limited to support:
- Training opportunities
- Emergency management plan development and testing
- Tsunami preparedness
- All-hazard risk assessments
- Low value emergency equipment (items less than $5,000)
For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Emergency Management Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness program website.
Emergency Management FireSmart program
The Emergency Management Assistance Program supports wildland fire nonstructural mitigation and preparedness initiatives through the FireSmart funding stream. FireSmart builds skills in First Nations communities to prevent and prepare against wildland fires. Proposals will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until funding is exhausted. In British Columbia, FireSmart funding for First Nations communities is administered through the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS). For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Emergency Management FireSmart program website and FNESS https://www.fness.bc.ca/
Drought
Drought conditions can impact communities and individuals by reducing the amount of water available for community use. Check out the Water Shortages and Drought Conditions Tips Sheet on how to best prepare and respond.
Given the low snowpack across many areas of British Columbia, ISC is reaching out to First Nations in British Columbia to encourage them to prepare for potential drought conditions this coming summer.
Under extreme conditions, water systems could run out of potable water and be unable to meet fire suppression requirements. First Nation communities at risk of drought are encouraged to ensure drought is in their emergency response plans. A response team for drought should be established, including their water operator and circuit rider, who are able to monitor water consumption. Further information on drought planning can be found here: FNHA-Drought-Planning-Information-for-First-Nations-Communities.pdf. ISC Capital Management Officers are currently reaching out to water operators to initiate community-specific discussions. In the meantime, please reach out to our Senior Engineer Rahul Hampaul at Rahul.Hampaul@sac-isc.gc.ca should you have any questions. If you need immediate assistance due to drinking water shortages and are outside working hours, please contact 604-209-9709 or bcaandc.do@sac-isc.gc.ca.
Of Interest From ISC
Adams Lake Indian Band receives new hybrid wildland fire truck
Adams Lake Indian Band celebrated the arrival of their new wildland-urban interface hybrid fire truck on May 24, 2024. This truck is able to help respond to both structural and wildland emergencies. Constructed with advanced materials, it lowers its weight, eliminating the need for air brakes and allowing it to carry up to 2200 litres of water.
This is the first of six hybrid wildland-urban interface fire trucks for which ISC has funded the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS) to manage, procure and provide support for high risk First Nations communities. FNESS has partnered with the BC Wildfire Service on training for wildfire attack crews and promotes FireSmart activities in First Nation communities to reduce risks.
Volunteers, community members, and officials from both FNESS and ISC gathered outside their firehall for a ceremony to celebrate Adams Lake Indian Band’s new hybrid fire truck.
Information from Government of Canada
The Support of the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Contribution Program now accepting applications
The Support of the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People (MMIWG2S+) Contribution Program funds projects, that provide assistance and services for the healing journeys of Indigenous survivors of the MMIWG2S+ crisis and impacted families.
If your organization plans to work on projects like therapeutic and cultural supports, healing gatherings, sharing and caring circles, mental health and emotional supports with an Elder, peer network supports, or any other initiative that provides support to survivors or families who have lost loved ones to the crisis, you could be eligible for funding.
The 2024 Call for application is now open with an application deadline of July 26, 2024 . There is a total of $2.5 million available to fund selected projects across Canada.
For details on the program, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit Support for the Wellbeing of Families and Survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People Contribution Program.
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
Additional Resources
- Evacuations and Mental Health
- Municipal Heat Response Planning
- Emergency Management Preparedness for Individuals and Families
- Building back better: Emergency Management Assistance Program Strategy Guide
- Emergency Management in BC
- Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on Emergency Management Services
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: Carina Chow / carina.chow@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Director, Community Development: Wendy Rogers / wendy.rogers@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 General Delivery Inbox: IRS-ISC.PI-SAC@sac-isc.gc.ca
- National Coordinator: David Russell / david.russell@sac-isc.gc.ca
- BC Regional Liaison Officer: Mercy Mura / mercy.mura@sac-isc.gc.ca
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Registration now open for FNPSS’s FFNA course starting Oct 2024! 9-week hybrid model covering key topics in First Nations governance. In-person week in Kelowna, BC, with other sessions via Zoom. Visit https://ow.ly/Isvv50SAJnH. Limited space!
Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day! Join us today as we celebrate and honour the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous people.
#NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay
Application reminder for the 2024 First Nations Well-Being Fund! For additional details on each funding stream and eligibility, and to apply, visit our website: https://ow.ly/thfE50RRPSw.
#FirstNations #WellBeing #Funding #FNPSS
FNPSS is hiring a full-time Accounting Technician to support the First Nations Public Service Secretariat. Strong judgement, integrity, and attention to detail are essential. Apply now! https://ow.ly/kQIY50SittR
#hiring #finance #accounting #fnpss
BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship applications open until Oct 4, 2024! Open to Indigenous applicants in non-elected roles supporting governance/professional capacity development. For more info and to apply, visit the link in our bio! #Scholarship
Registration is now open! Calling all Band Managers, CAOs and Executive Directors! FNPSS’ third offering of Foundations of First Nations Administration (FFNA) begins in October 2024.
This introductory course will cover a variety of key topics essential to First Nations governance and public administration. This course will take place over 9 weeks in a hybrid model, with one in-person week in Kelowna, BC, and all other sessions held virtually via Zoom.
FFNA participants will be joined by expert facilitators and keynote speakers to deliver First Nations-tailored training sessions in areas such as Human Resources, Economic Development, Financial Fundamentals and more! Participants will finish the course with new and applicable skills to help with their daily responsibilities, and a new network of Band Administrators from across the province with similar challenges to connect with.
To register: ow.ly/AK3G50SAMV6
For more information visit: ow.ly/BqRx50SAJe2. Please note that registration is limited!
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Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day! Join us today as we celebrate and honour the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous people.
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Application reminder for the 2024 First Nations Well Being Fund!
Deadline to apply: June 23rd, 2024, at 11:59pm (Pacific Standard Time). Applications received before this date will be given priority. FNPSS will continue to accept and review applications beyond June 23, 2024, if funding is available.
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: Wellness Planning Projects.
Stream 1 - A maximum of $250,000 will be available.
Stream 2 – A maximum of $50,000 will be available.
First Nations who received project funding in a previous round of the First Nations Well Being Fund should contact FNPSS to discuss eligibility under the current funding opportunity.
For additional details on each funding stream and eligibility, and to apply, visit our website: ow.ly/TJuh50RRPMQ
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FNPSS is hiring one full-time Accounting Technician to support the First Nations Public Service Secretariat initiative within the First Nations Summit Society.
The Accounting Technician is crucial to our operations and assists with full-cycle accounting needs. The Accounting Technician ensures FNPSS has financial information that is timely, accurate, and can be fully relied upon to support the needs of operational management and strategic planning of the organization. The Accounting Technician works directly with FNPSS executive, staff, BC First Nations and other levels of government.
The position will require an individual who shows strong judgement, integrity and discretion. We are looking for someone with a strong attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills; and strong organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple competing priorities.
To learn more and apply: ow.ly/q6JF50SituV
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Scholarship applications are open until October 4, 2024!
The scholarship is valid for up to two years in the amount of up to $1,500.
The BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship is open to Indigenous applicants working in a non-elected role in any BC First Nation government or First Nation organization that supports governance and/or professional capacity development which contributes to the improved programming, services, or governance of a First Nation community, excluding applicants working in for-profit organizations.
Credit or non-credit programs delivered by an accredited post-secondary institution are eligible.
Any application for this scholarship must be submitted by completing the online form by no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 4, 2024, with notification to the successful candidate being given by the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia by December 13, 2024, at the latest.
For any inquiry, please contact office@lgma.ca
For more information, and to apply, visit ow.ly/cCpN50Sc5Mp
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