The 2016 First Nations Emergency Management Forum got underway in Saskatoon Tuesday morning.
First Nations leaders, community members and emergency management officials gathered at the Saskatoon Inn to begin the three-day conference.
Emergency preparedness will be the topic of discussion throughout the week.
Several topics on the schedule include wildfire prevention and management, weather, lightning and water safety, community evacuation and community recovery.
Prince Albert Grand Council Forestry Management Director Cliff Beuttner says after a year like last year fire prevention will be a big topic of discussion.
“I think a lot of it is to understand the resiliency and capacity a lot of First Nations have in northern Saskatchewan and have traditionally protected their own communities,” says Beuttner. “So a lot of the discussion will be on pre-planning and other things that can be done prior to a potential disastrous fire season like we had last year.”
During Tuesday’s morning’s session, Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Ron Michel and Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice-Chief Kimberly Jonathan welcomed everyone in attendance.
Both leaders shared their gratitude for the valuable service these individuals provide to their communities.
Jonathan said it is through forums like this where communities can become “fully equipped, fully safe and fully prepared” for any emergency.
She also said in order to provide these culturally-relevant services, First Nations need to grow in partnership with both provincial and federal governments.