Conference Summary Report Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table 2021 Virtual Conference
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Conference Summary Report
Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table
2021 Virtual Conference
Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Virtual Conference 2021
Conference Summary Report
Prepared by:
Marcia C. Turner and Associates
Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building
3150 Alder Street
Victoria BC V8X 1N8
www.daxgedim-haanak.ca
April 2021
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 2
Table of Contents
Opening Comments: Dave Peterson, Assistant Deputy Minister.............................................. 4
Territorial Acknowledgement ................................................................................................ 5
About this Report ................................................................................................................. 6
Principles .......................................................................................................................................7
About the Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table ......................................... 8
Summary Overview of the Virtual Conference 2021 ................................................................ 9
Highlights of Keynote Speaker Messages ......................................................................................10
Summary Descriptions of Daily Workshops & Training Offered ............................................. 17
Indigenous Worldview in Emergency Management .............................................................. 18
Regional Voices ................................................................................................................... 21
Section 1: Shared Themes from Regional Dialogue Sessions ..........................................................21
Theme 1: Partnership and Collaboration: ..........................................................................................................22
Theme 2: Funding ..............................................................................................................................................23
Theme 3: Self-determination, Governance, and Jurisdiction.............................................................................23
Theme 4: Emergency Management Capacity, Training, and Resources ............................................................24
Section 2: Region-Specific Themes ................................................................................................25
South West Region .............................................................................................................................................26
North West Region .............................................................................................................................................29
North East Region ..............................................................................................................................................31
South East Region ..............................................................................................................................................33
Central Region ....................................................................................................................................................36
Vancouver Island Region ....................................................................................................................................39
Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 42
Policy Context ..............................................................................................................................42
Recommendations from Daxgedim Haanak’ Team ........................................................................45
Closing Remarks: Dave Peterson, Assistant Deputy Minister ................................................ 50
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................. 52
Appendix A – BCWS Graphic Reports.................................................................................... 53
Appendix B – Conference Information .................................................................................. 55
Appendix C - Speaker Biographies ........................................................................................ 56
About Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building and Associates ................................................... 63
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 3
Opening Comments: Dave Peterson, Assistant Deputy Minister I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank everyone who participated in the Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Tables. Thank you to all the Elders and Healers who were with us each day, guiding us in a good way. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Kupi7 Judy Wilson for her keynote address and to all the Indigenous community leaders and emergency management practitioners who designed and co-facilitated these sessions. Finally, I would like to thank Marcia Turner and her team from Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building and the Emergency Management BC Core Planning Team for planning the event and navigating us through the week in a culturally safe and respectful way. As you are aware, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we shifted our approach from a face-to-face Regional Emergency Management Partnership Table model to a provincial gathering of Indigenous emergency management champions and agency representatives, supported by regional breakout sessions. This format was informed by community perspectives and included topics requested by Nation representatives. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to join some of the sessions, including the wrap-up and concluding comments at the end of the day. I saw first-hand the intense passion and interest from the over 300 participants. The Partnership Table sparked future action in community as it has for us here at EMBC. The Partnership Tables first and foremost are a forum for Indigenous emergency managers to meet, share knowledge, and provide guidance to government and partner agencies on the implementation of emergency management services. The five-day conference was an opportunity for partners to listen to your stories and experiences, learn from wise and informed practices, and have a dialogue on current challenges. We remain committed to learning and taking collaborative action to create and support an emergency management framework in British Columbia that recognizes Indigenous self-determination and upholds and honours the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. Therefore, it is important that this work continues to move forward as we seek solutions as true partners in emergency management to better serve the unique needs in each community. We look forward to seeing you (virtually, or in-person) at the next event and, as always, EMBC is available to assist your communities 24/7 if there is an emergency event (1-800-663-3456). With gratitude and humility, Dave Peterson Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 4
Assistant Deputy Minister Territorial Acknowledgement Emergency Management BC (EMBC) Headquarters is located in the territory of the W̱ SÁNEĆ people. EMBC gratefully and humbly acknowledges they are visitors to this territory where W̱ SÁNEĆ people have a historic and continued relationship to the land. EMBC’s Regional offices are located throughout diverse Indigenous territories across what is now known as British Columbia Witness - Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation Building For many Indigenous people, the concept of witness is an important practice and teaching that is inextricably linked to oral practice, ancestral laws, sustainability, and relationality. Indigenous concepts of witness are foundational for facilitating integrity and accountability by calling upon witnesses to document the business and work being conducted. Witnessing in an Indigenous context, for some, is a very specific ceremony, often in a feast, potlatch, or gathering, where individuals are called upon to witness a specific event or events. It is the responsibility of the witness to watch, listen, learn and remember the details of the event and when called upon in the future, must share the information back. To be called upon as a witness is an honour. I and my team of Associates were honoured to be invited to facilitate the conference and serve as witnesses responsible for sharing what was done and what was heard at the 2021 Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Virtual Conference and it is my honour to capture those voices in this report. Marcia Turner, CEO www.daxgedim-haanak.ca Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 5
About this Report
In January, the 2021 Indigenous Emergency Management Virtual Conference brought together
over 300 Indigenous community emergency management practitioners, Leadership and
representatives, government, and emergency management partners for five days of training,
networking, and dialogue. This report is a summary of the virtual gathering.
As part of EMBC’s commitment to concrete acts of reconciliation, and building on the 2019
Regional Partnership Table sessions, the week-long forum provided an opportunity to strengthen
relationships across community and governments and for EMBC to follow up on action items
that arose out of the 2019 regional sessions.
This report is designed to:
o provide a summary overview of the Partnership Table conference, as well as summaries
of the dialogue from Regional breakout sessions;
o serve as a tool for knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing;
o set out recommendations of the Indigenous people who participated over the five days;
o amplify the voices of Indigenous representatives;
o illuminate concerns, challenges, and opportunities in emergency management for
Indigenous communities;
o inform EMBC and other emergency management partners about ways to move forward
in a good way.
To capture the essence of the outcomes achieved over the five days, this report includes a mix of
direct quotes, summaries, and overarching themes that emerged throughout the week. Visual
images through graphic recordings capture the stories of the speakers, presenters, and
Indigenous participants. Visual storytelling is aligned with Indigenous ways of knowing and being,
telling the story of what is spoken and documenting what is heard. It is a form of witnessing.
Woven throughout the report are Indigenous concepts, stories, and Indigenous languages that
illuminate and respect Indigenous experiences in emergency management. Story, in an
Indigenous context, is an oral tradition for the transfer of knowledge to share and teach about
laws, customs, cultural beliefs, values, rituals, history, practices, relationships, and ways of life.
Indigenous storytelling is a foundation for holistic and experiential learning and relationship
building.
In the latter part of this report, recommendations are offered by the Daxgedim Haanak’ Nation
Building team, drawing from the themes that emerged throughout the week-long conference.
These recommendations amplify Indigenous voices, illuminate critical issues, and center
Indigenous voices for improved emergency management, and reflect the self-determination of
Indigenous communities for the control and design of their emergency management.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 6
Principles
The following principles guide the development of this report:
• Respect diversity: The information and approach for this report will not homogenize
Indigenous People and communities. Therefore, this report will respect their diverse
history, cultures, geographic locations, capacity, specific needs, pressing priorities, and
experiences.
• Rights-based framework: This report is written from a rights-based framework to
acknowledge ancestral and Indigenous rights that have existed since time immemorial.
• Solutions-focused: The purpose is to acknowledge challenges and issues as a mechanism
to identify what can be improved, and offer solutions, ideas, and recommendations.
• Bridge relationships: This report is written to reflect the recognition that strong working
relationships across communities, sectors, and governments are fundamentally
important to address the complex issues and cultural considerations regarding
emergency management for Indigenous people and communities.
• Strengths-based: Information in this report will reflect successes, achievements and build
on what is working while acknowledging what more needs to be done with the
recognition that work needs to continue towards strengthened relationships,
collaboration, and shared responsibility in emergency management.
Key Acronyms and Terms
(Listed alphabetically)
BCWS British Columbia Wildfire Service
EM Emergency Management
ESS Emergency Support Services
EMBC Emergency Management BC
EOC Emergency Operating Centre
FNESS First Nations Emergency Services Society
FNHA First Nations Health Authority
ISC Indigenous Services Canada
SAR Search and Rescue
The term Indigenous refers to First Nations people as rights and title holders to their lands,
resources, and territories.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 7
About the Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table i
The Partnership Tables are a forum to support
the unique and diverse challenges experienced
by Indigenous Peoples, to build emergency
management capacity in communities, as well
as promote resilience, relationships, and
preparedness for disasters
PURPOSE
In 2018, the Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Tables were created with
Indigenous Peoples as a forum to enhance services in ways that acknowledge Indigenous Ways
of Knowing, the need for meaningful engagement and open dialogue, the unique and diverse
challenges experienced by Indigenous people, and the benefit of working together towards
resiliency and preparedness for disasters.
At the Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table, we hope to work together with
every Indigenous community to identify ways in which we can build support for long-term
resilience in emergency management (EM).
These meetings were developed with the intention for there to be in-person or virtual
Partnership Tables held at least twice per year. Indigenous support organizations and
community representatives are encouraged to continue local and regional dialogues around
emergency management topics between Partnership Tables. This ongoing dialogue can also
be supported through the EMBC Regional Offices.
Who Is Invited Principles and Values
Every Indigenous community is invited to • Inclusive – all Indigenous people are invited
participate along with support and have a voice.
organizations including First Nations • Consensus-Building Approach – true
Emergency Services Society (FNESS), partnership means a collective vision for long-
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), First term solutions.
Nations Health Authority (FNHA), BC • Respect for Each Other and for Culture –
Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Canadian Red finding points of connection between the
Cross (CRC), and many other non- parallel ways in which we see the world starts
governmental, provincial, or federal with respect for diverse perspectives.
partners as determined by Nation • Equity and Fairness – meaningful engagement
partners. means taking extra care to create
opportunities for participation and sharing
Nation partners are reimbursed for information with those who are typically
incremental travel and accommodation underrepresented.
costs to attend in-person Partnership Table • Accountability – how we implement solutions
meetings. is as important as what we do.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 8
Summary Overview of the Virtual Conference 2021
The 2021 Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Virtual Conference brought
together over 300 Indigenous representatives, community champions, technicians, leaders, and
government partners from across BC. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Partnership Tables
shifted from a face-to-face regional model to a virtual provincial gathering from January 18 to 22,
2021 using Zoom technology.
The agenda for the virtual gathering was co-developed with community perspectives and based
on their needs and specific requests with sessions that included Indigenous keynote speakers.
Training workshops were offered based on topics requested by Nation representatives followed
by facilitated regional dialogue sessions each afternoon, with presentations and dialogue
captured by graphic recorders.
Offerings for each day was organized around the following themes:
o Building relationships and understanding our
Shared Emergency Management Perspectives
o Health Emergency Management Planning
o Wise Practices in Indigenous Emergency
Management
o Lifeline Volunteers and Cultural Safety
o Wildfire Training and Finance Training
Each day began in a good way honouring cultural protocol, with prayer, song,
and warm welcome from Elders. Moments of silence were held each morning
to acknowledge the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid epidemic on
Indigenous people in BC.
Workshop training sessions and presentations were offered each morning:
Leadership and Emergency Understanding Foundations in Finance and
Emergency Management: Roles Emergency Emergency Support Funding in
Management & Responsibilities Operating Services (ESS) Emergency
Panel with Q&A Centres (EOC)
Management
For a holistic approach, woven throughout the day were movement breaks led by Daniel
Young-Mercer from the Indigenous Sport Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I•SPARC).
Zoom rooms for Elders, networking, or quiet space were available. Daily door prizes were
organized by Charlotte Etzerza, of EMBC and Regional offices.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 9
Highlights of Keynote Speaker Messages
“the work of the partnership table is a good start”
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 10Day 1: Keynote Speakers
The conference opened with strong messages from Chief Judy Wilson, Kukpi7 acknowledging the
strength and resilience of communities, and welcoming messages and acknowledgement from
Assistant Deputy Minister Dave Peterson, and Regional Director, Catherine Lappe.
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, UBCIC. Neskonlith “The work of the partnership table
is a good start, but we have a long way to go, there are still gaps and
shortfalls in the system that was not designed with us in mind. The MOU
and Bi-lateral agreements have put us in the conversation which needs to
include the fullness of our rights, UNDRIP, racism and the ongoing
emergency of colonialism.”
Dave Peterson, Assistant Deputy Minister, EMBC "Working in community
gave me a grassroots appreciation for the work that Nations are doing,
and I want to make sure that all of the work is grounded in trust, respect,
and inclusion. Acknowledgment that there's a long way to go. The
modernization of the Emergency Program Act (EPA) is now aiming for 2022
to allow more time for true co-creation and complete it collectively. The
partnership tables and provincial reports have brought into the
conversation climate change, cultural safety, and the importance of
partnerships and relationships."
Catherine Lappe, Regional Director General, ISC “Acknowledge the loss and
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how racism is impacting the lives of
Indigenous people. The Tripartite and MOU require us to think differently
about the way we work with First Nations. There have been unprecedented
fires, floods, and now the pandemic and we cannot ignore the underlying
inequities in services and systems. With this pandemic, I have witnessed
true collaboration, care, and partnerships. A key learning is flexibility and
better processes for the Indigenous community support fund and
allocation.”
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 11Day 2: Keynote Speakers
Dr. Cornelia (Nel) Wieman, A/Deputy Chief Medical Officer, FNHA
(provided a presentation on the rates of COVID-19 cases in community and
away from home, as well as an update on the vaccine rollout) “Someone
mentioned the opioid epidemic this morning, it’s been almost five years
with the opioid crisis, the report In Plain Sight has illuminated a third
epidemic, racism, it hasn’t been declared a public health emergency yet”
Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Indigenous
Health, MoH: “This pandemic had affirmed for me four key beliefs: first, self-
determination is the key root of wellness, it’s the foundation; second,
Indigenous people are so strong and resilient; third, we have diverse and
unique ancestral knowledge and wisdom to be healthy and well; and fourth,
we are all one. The last message, COVID doesn’t discriminate but systems
and structures do, when we are free of racism, we get our needs met in a
good way.”
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 12Day 3: Keynote Speakers
o Stephanie Papik,
EMBC Director, Strategic Integration of Indigenous Knowledge, Cultural Safety and
Humility
o Jaimi Gardner,
A/Regional Manager, Emergency Management, Indigenous Services Canada
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 13Day 4: Keynote Speakers
o Sandra Riches,
Executive Director, BC AdventureSmart
o Ian Foss,
EMBC Director of Search and Rescue (SAR)
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 14Day 5: Keynote Speakers
o Mike Webb,
Chief Innovation Officer, E-Comm 9-11
o Dan Heaton,
Emergency Management Coordinator and TNG Rangers
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 15Day 5: BC Wildfire Service Session The afternoon on the final day began with opening comments from BC Wildfire Service followed by breakout sessions with each of the BC Wildfire Service regions who provided presentations to communities. Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 16
Summary Descriptions of Daily Workshops & Training Offered MONDAY January 18 10:15 – 12:00 Leadership & Emergency Management This course illuminates principles of shared leadership and recognizes the unique experiences and expertise of First Nations in Emergency Management. This session will provide a focused discussion around the roles of Chief and Council support of the Emergency Operations Centre including policy decisions and strategic direction. This course will also identify how the decisions that the Chief and Council make differ from the decisions that the Emergency Operations Centre staff make during response activations and approaches to reconciling the two. TUESDAY January 19 10:15 – 12:00 Roles and Responsibilities Panel Join our interactive interagency presentation and discussion panel which will include the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS), Emergency Management BC (EMBC), BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), FLNRORD River Forecast Centre & Flood Safety, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI). There will be a brief overview of each organization including the role they play in supporting Indigenous communities before, during or after emergency events. Participants will have a chance to ask questions. WEDNESDAY January 20 10:15 – 12:00 Understanding Emergency Operations Centres This course introduces the functions of an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and how community members can access the site and region for support. Structural concepts for an EOC and their design from small to large will be explained. Opportunities for participants to share their community experiences during activation, successes, challenges and lessons learned will be provided. Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 17
THURSDAY
January 21 10:15 – 12:00 Foundations in Emergency Support Services (ESS)
Emergency Support Services (ESS) is a provincial emergency response volunteer program
designed to meet the basic needs of British Columbians impacted by disasters with the
intention to provide short-term support in a compassionate manner. ESS is designed to
provide support for disasters ranging from a single house fire, provincial level events involving
large evacuations and pandemics. These supports enable people to re-establish themselves as
quickly as possible after an emergency or disaster.
You are invited to join us to learn more about the evolving ESS program, including key shifts in
policy and practice from recent events and lessons learned, and acknowledgment of the
experiences of Indigenous evacuees. Learn more about the supports and resources the
Province offers to communities in creating a local ESS team, both locally and regionally. Gain a
basic understanding of building, planning, training and sustaining a local ESS team with the
capacity to deliver this important safety-net service and supports in community and regionally.
Indigenous Worldview in Emergency Management
“COVID- 19 is our tricky relative, a trickster, here to teach us”
Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, 2021 Virtual Conference
A key benefit of the Partnership Table is the opportunity to share ideas, experiences, and
information across communities and governments to improve services and responses in
emergencies for Indigenous people. While the conference was focused broadly on emergency
management, much of the experiences shared by the participants reflected the current realities
faced by Indigenous people and communities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rich knowledge was shared throughout the week from Indigenous communities, agencies, and
government partners who talked about ways they have addressed emergency management in
previous years and more recently during the current pandemic. The transfer of knowledge and
learning from one another reflect Indigenous values inherent in practices within Indigenous
families, communities, ceremonies, and way of life. The purpose of this section in the report is
to share information, most of which are brief snapshots of some, not all, of the experiences
shared during the conference.
The information shared here is not intended to be a best practice but rather shared knowledge,
out of recognition that each situation has different context and circumstances; experiences are
shared in this report with the understanding that the information may be helpful or relevant in
the journey to address various situations of emergency management.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 18The experiences shared by Indigenous people at the partnership table are demonstrative of the
strength and resilience of Indigenous people, Indigenous values, and knowledge systems in
emergency management.
“We would like to explore including cultural elements within emergency plans and planning
processes, so the inclusion of Indigenous worldviews become standard practice at the EMBC
level. Examine and create templates and tools to address this.”
Indigenous participant, 2021 Virtual Conference
A key message was the importance of Indigenous knowledge as essential in the emergency
management space and must be respected. To do this, Indigenous communities emphasized that
Indigenous knowledge holders must be equally privileged in emergency management planning
and decision making.
Throughout the five days, Indigenous participants shared experiences and examples of drawing
on their distinct and unique community and cultural values, principles, ethics, and teachings as
well as approaches in situations of a flood, wildfire, and pandemic.
Indigenous people bring distinct worldviews to emergency management planning and systems. A
relational worldview emphasizing spirit and spirituality, a sense of community, and respect for all
beings is contrasted with a system focused on compartmentalized knowledge. “It is challenging
to balance the needs and to be respectful and inclusive of Elders, large families, and those who
live outside of the community and beyond. Our ways do not always reflect provincial orders”
There is value in exploring the fusion of both approaches, but only when Indigenous practices
are equally privileged in the discussion, planning, decision-making, and application.
This section uses story and quotes to amplify the voices of Indigenous participants who shared:
Recognition for Indigenous Worldviews “When a coastal First Nation responded to an
emergency, the government began to incorporate First Nations ways more formally into their
practice. After that incident, the Coast Guard gave the coastal First Nation their own boat and
responsibility. The Coast Guard is putting First Nations in control as they recognize we know our
waters and have the skills.”
Dealing with COVID-19 restored Indigenous values of unity and collaboration “Many
communities found that if you could provide for people what they needed in their home –
whatever it was – (for those with addictions), the more likely and able to follow the safety
precautions in place. Individual community responses to COVID were varied depending on where
we were and who was involved. For the most part, we were innovative, the crisis brought
traditional leadership, Elders, and administration together, and the community members came
together. The problem broke down silos previously created by non-indigenous structures in
communities, and people came together again. However, many were stretched thin and we still
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 19are. In some cases (Treaty Nations) could make policies around health regulations but were caught off-guard by COVID; they had not had the opportunity to put those in place.” Dealing with COVID-19 restored Indigenous values of unity and collaboration "During COVID – Many of us had to enforce compliance to health plan/safety plan (not called a lockdown); we reached out to community members in our first two months – it began to affect young people (drugs and alcohol) mental health was challenged. We met every day with the senior team and made a plan to decide how to deal with the entire member's issues- support, help, listen, respond. Mental health and wellness were a priority. We had excellent communication from leadership (elected and hereditary), every day, organized. A highlight is that the pandemic brought us together” Practicing relationality and holism creates successful approaches “Wellness programming, food security, gardening, orchards, and planters, tsunami shelters, events for young people, and programming by partners enacted to support community members, even during COVID, are significant achievements. These events are built on a relational awareness of one another and the holistic approaches we take in our communities”. Partnerships across communities, agencies, and governments beneficial “Partnership development indicates good relationships with EMBC Regional Directors for this area. First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) has offered programs pre-COVID. Programs currently being offered are Wildfire Preparedness and the Fire Smart Program, and these programs are well received. There is evidence of strengthened relationships with neighboring Indigenous communities”. Cultural Support and Shared Responsibility “In Shuswap: Healthy food box program delivers food to community members. Partnership building and networking opportunities with other organizations offer support and shared responsibility. Flu vaccinations are distributed to members to help with illness within the community. Virtual zoom nights for youth and board games and pizza (delivered) to encourage youth to stay home. Working together encourages relationships and knowledge sharing between generations”. Township learned from Indigenous Community “Pacheedaht – it wasn't us adapting; we observed Port Renfrew watching us adapt to what we were doing. We became a model for our neighboring community. Building out the recovery plan on our own – we had something in place that was shared with the membership. Very early on, we saw Port Renfrew looking at us for information to support their response, based on what we had the Port Renfrew COVID recovery task force was born. We put recommendations and orders in place. Pacheedaht doesn't have jurisdiction, but Port Renfrew was very happy to have our assistance. The business in PR adopted our adaptations. Pacheedaht leadership needed to adapt to outsiders coming to us for support. It was quite a different and positive feeling to have others look to us for support as to how to manage COVID in their community”. Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 20
Regional Voices
“We are resilient people. This has been demonstrated for centuries.
When emergencies happen, people step up.”
Indigenous participant, 2021 Virtual Conference
Throughout the week, each afternoon was dedicated to Indigenous community dialogue through
facilitated breakout sessions for the six EMBC Regions. Meetings by region were community-
driven and provided an opportunity for nation-specific issues and considerations as well as
community-specific approaches and needs
Discussions in the breakout sessions included various topics in emergency management with
most of the dialogue centered on the COVID-19 pandemic response, emergency management
needs, and opportunities for sharing information and feedback.
Experiences were shared regarding various emergencies and crises impacting Indigenous people
and communities. Knowledge was shared regarding the Indigenous practices and approaches for
caring, leading, and responding in emergency management circumstances, illuminating the
strength of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.
The voices of the Indigenous participants are organized in this report into two sections:
o Section 1 provides thematic summaries of the Regional dialogue sessions that outline
province-wide common themes, issues, considerations, needs, and priorities of the
participating Indigenous communities.
o Section 2 is organized by region and outlines the outcomes and approach for the regional
sessions. This section describes summary information regarding community-specific,
nation-specific, or region-specific issues, needs, considerations, and priorities that arose
out of the community breakout sessions.
The approach within each of these sections reflects Indigenous voices, to highlight what is
working well for Indigenous communities followed by any key actions that arose out of the
dialogue.
Section 1: Shared Themes from Regional Dialogue Sessions
Overall there was appreciation for the opportunity to connect virtually for training and dialogue,
and participants remained engaged throughout the week. Conversations were positive with a
genuine appreciation for connecting with government about issues of importance to their
communities. Constructive criticisms were also offered by First Nations representatives which
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 21reflected the ongoing needs of Indigenous communities and the complexities of emergency
management.
Over the five days and 15 distinct regional breakout sessions, summaries of the following themes
are provided:
1. Partnership and Collaboration
2. Funding
3. Self-determination, Governance, and Jurisdiction
4. Emergency Management Capacity, Training, and Resources
Theme 1: Partnership and Collaboration:
"Hereditary Chiefs, plus Chief and Council and staff all came to table to share knowledge during
a pandemic – we need to draw from many sources to solve these tough problems. We work
together in relation to each other – in relation to our lands - no matter what.”
Indigenous participant, 2021 Virtual Conference
Relationships/partnerships have been a focus, and the regions continue to be open to working
with partners with shared goals. Nation-to-Nation partnerships and collaboration experiences
were shared, specifically ways to address the impacts of the pandemic such as best practices to
deal with important issues such as funerals while respecting provincial health orders, managing
fears, contact tracing, food security, mental health, addictions and addressing the needs of off-
reserve/away from home citizens were some of the experiences shared at the gathering.
The discussions on partnership revealed the connections, respect, innovations, and learning
starting to take shape between governments and Nations. Emergency Management BC and
Indigenous Service Canada emphasize success at partnership tables, and some communities
agree relationships have progressed at some levels.
There was also recognition that relationships are at different stages for each of the communities
in the regions. Over the past year, the pandemic has resulted in meaningful exchange for some,
and relationships with regions were celebrated while some communities expressed that they are
still feeling left behind by partners and improvement is not being felt equally across Nations.
Cultural safety training for government and industry partners was a common theme across
discussions, within the context of collaboration, partnership development, and capacity
strengthening.
Overall there was genuine interest and a strong commitment to continued and sustained effort
to bring Nations and governments together to support, plan and prepare for emergencies.
Participants expressed a strong desire to collaborate with all in the area to identify and
communicate mutual interests to EMBC and ISC to describe a path forward.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 22Theme 2: Funding
“There is a significant impact not having these funds reimbursed which prevent other and
additional measures from being put in place. Lack of funding and delays in reimbursement
processes have significant and chronic impacts given the ongoing gaps in funding and
resources for our communities where other priorities urgently needed.”
Indigenous participant, 2021 Virtual Conference
One of the most pressing of issues raised throughout the week was the need for funding for
emergency management. While some Nations shared stories of accessing funding towards local
emergency management capacity building, others shared the challenges of accessing funding.
There was wide consensus that emergency management funding will be more impactful if it was
more accessible and community-driven.
Echoed consistently throughout the conference was the need for financial resources for
prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery in emergencies. Indigenous
participants emphasized the need for funding for capacity strengthening, training, and
operations before, during, and after emergencies.
Many participants shared their frustrations with funding application processes that are
bureaucratic, and insufficiently small dollars. Some indicated that clarity is required regarding
funding pathways and to address challenges in accessing funds during an emergency, crisis, and
pandemic.
Theme 3: Self-determination, Governance, and Jurisdiction
“It is imperative to recognize and respect that First Nations are all experts in their communities,
We know our resources and our capacity. We are missing the funding part to advance our
emergency management; capacity in the community dictates our ability to respond.”
First Nations representative, 2021 Virtual Conference
An overarching theme that emerged consistently was the importance of self-determination in
emergency management. Many participants, regardless of their place of readiness, expressed
the significance of community-led and community-driven decisions and processes which
strengthened the outcomes of their response and ensured the relevancy, meaningfulness, and
cultural safety for their citizens as well as strengthen their capacity in emergency management.
Some communities expressed the genuine desire to work with local governments during the
pandemic but felt this was not possible during emergencies. The issue of jurisdiction is ongoing,
the communities discussed the importance of having clarity regarding jurisdiction, roles,
decision-making both within community governance structures and between Indigenous Nations
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 23and government, regional township, and other partners. For example, communities shared it is
critical to the success of Emergency Operations Centres to ensure roles and decision-making
protocols exist and are clarified between Chief & Council and Emergency Operations Centres to
prevent delays and challenges during times of emergency. There is a need for governance
training expressed across many communities. When a state of emergency is declared; everyone
should know what is expected, necessary, needed from leadership.
The pandemic illuminated the need to engage leadership such as Chief and Councils in
emergency management. Some communities shared stories of how the pandemic strengthened
unity, collaboration, and relationships between hereditary leaders and band councils while some
shared challenges in navigating the complexities of leadership in community. Within the context
of the pandemic, communities expressed the need to address enforcement and compliance of
provincial health officer safety orders for their citizens and visitors to their territories.
Some communities indicated that although structures have developed to bring partners
together, suggestions to improve the Nations' ability to govern their emergency management
processes include expanding the provincial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or create
regional MOU and regional work plans. For some communities, gaps in timely information
sharing, jurisdictional issues, accessing emergency contacts, and protocols around emergency
events were echoed consistently as a problematic and ongoing concern.
Theme 4: Emergency Management Capacity, Training, and Resources
Indigenous communities acknowledged that they are at varying stages of readiness and have
varied capacities for emergency management. While there was a genuine positive appreciation
for training, there was consistent messaging regarding the need for distinct, customized training
and culturally relevant resources:
o Dedicated Positions: Majority of communities emphasized the critical importance of fully
funded emergency management personnel in community. Other ideas included Regional
Indigenous Emergency Management Coordinators to support partnership, collaboration,
training, and Emergency Management planning.
o Customized Training: Each of the communities indicated that training needs to be
customized to their distinct community, people, and needs with a flexible, culturally
responsive, and culturally relevant approach. Some shared how FNESS training was an
example of culturally relevant training. Many communities requested training in
completing funding forms and proposal writing.
o Culturally Appropriate Resources: Communities indicated the need for EMBC to create
tools such as templates that can be customized by community such as how to establish
virtual Emergency Operation Centre. Incorporating Indigenous training models, cultural
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 24safety, and Indigenous knowledge into resources were also raised as key needs in
capacity strengthening in emergency management.
o Youth Initiatives: training youth in emergency management was a key focus in many of
the discussions, including the need for mentorship and engagement.
Section 2: Region-Specific Themes
The next section of this report outlines information by region and amplifies the voices of the
Indigenous participants.
o Agendas for the breakout sessions were determined by communities, as such, each
region had a different focus and approach to their breakout sessions which are reflected
in this report.
o Regions had two breakout sessions throughout the week with the third breakout session
focused on BC Wildfire.
o In keeping with the community-driven approach, each region selected a community-
based facilitator supported by a facilitator from Marcia’s team.
o Highlights of the discussion, captured in graphic reports, are woven throughout and
appended to this report.
o Where stated, key actions were captured and included in this report.
To reflect varied relationships between Nations and governments across the regions as well as
the varied capacity and readiness of First Nations communities for emergency management, this
report uses “some Nations” to ensure balance in perspectives and voices of diverse communities
who participated in the sessions.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 25South West Region
The SWE region session was opened in a good way with prayer and song by Ron Prest and
facilitated by Valerie O’Connal, both of Skwah First Nation.
Region: South EMBC Region Community Co-facilitator: Graphic
West Lead Facilitator: Susanne Recorder:
Juliana Thiessen Kelly Poirier
Williams Valerie O’Connal
Monday:
Jeff Owens
Wednesday:
Craig Bland
Session 1 Session 2
• Report Back to Communities (presentation on • Nation to Nation discussion,
action items addressed since last meeting) no EMBC staff present, later
• Q & A after presentation invited in.
• Presentation about Training in the SWE • Organic conversation led by
• Open floor for feedback about training participants. Need talking
points to open.
First Presenters:
Carol McClintock, EMBC Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships
Jaimi Gardner, Interim Regional Program Manager, Indigenous Services Canada
Duncan Stephens, Indigenous Services Canada
Ian Cunnings, Senior Regional Manager, EMBC SWE
Second Presenters:
Shannon Williams, First Nations Training & Exercise Coordinator, EMBC
Jeff Allen, Manager, Training & Exercises, EMBC
Jennifer Butterfield, Training & Exercise Coordinator, EMBC
Feedback and Dialogue:
Some First Nations have participated in the SWE Partnership Table. Members expressed an
acknowledgment of all of the partners (Governments and Nations) and that the need to continue
supporting each other is vital. Other First Nations communities in the SWE indicated that they
have not been a part of partnership tables and explained that the Fraser River region includes 31
communities with collective interests.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 26During the Nation-to-Nation session, which typically is reserved for community dialogue without government partners, an EMBC representative was included, “we need to have them here if we are going to build relationships with them,” First Nations representative. Overall there was an appreciation for the updates, and the presentation revealed the need for increased, ongoing, and improved communication across communities and governments. The issue regarding mitigation and Emergency Management Planning arose: “To better prepare, communities need a comprehensive plan funded at the community level and includes training. To do this, we need help from all our partners,” First Nations representative. Participants indicated that the development of the "First Nations Toolkit" has increased connection with communities and resulted in a higher First Nation knowledge sharing level. Building the toolkit has improved relationships with communities based on their emergent needs. Much learning has taken place based on experience, Indigenous knowledge, and perspectives raised in this work and many Indigenous traditional knowledge areas. Participants expressed an interest to continue to build on this project. In this region, response and recovery efforts have been focused on individual communities and conversations co-hosted with local health authorities and other service providers. “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve learned that the pandemic has not been a traditional recovery method.” Discussions are now beginning on what broader recovery looks like. Additionally, because of cultural humility training introduced, it was stated that, “mistakes were avoided by government, in response and recovery”. Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 27
Key Actions
• Establish a working group that includes representatives of First Nations communities that
are interested in the SWE who can meet quarterly to move the agenda forward.
• Respecting the diversity of the region, when requesting support funding and co-
developing regional work plans that describe the SWE region's collective interest of
capturing First Nations self-determination of their own needs, agenda, and build it out in
a way to support each other. This approach recognizes our jurisdiction and partnerships.
• Attach an entire budget to an annual emergency management plan that includes funds
housed and administered by a First Nations community in the region.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 28North West Region
Region: North EMBC Region Community Co-facilitator: Graphic
West Lead Facilitator: Danielle Mitchell Recorder:
Charlotte Charlotte Patricia
Etzerza Etzerza McDougal
Session 1 Session 2
• Day 1: Roundtable updates from Communities • Day 2: Search and Rescue: Elder
• Framework for roundtable developed: e.g. What Safety (presentation and
worked, what didn’t work discussion /safety plan)
Feedback and Dialogue:
Communities wanted all partners at the table (e.g., external, government partners, city/town
mayors, etc.), but this was a challenge during an emergency.
• Complexities exist around the relationships and partnerships between our communities,
local SAR, and EMBC. “The experience is frustrating and stalls response times and our
overall ability to be responsive,” First Nations participant.
• Our communities have experienced exclusion during operations, and disrespectful and
inappropriate behaviors that affect relationship building and partnerships. Communities
continue to experience the ongoing and harmful impacts of systemic discrimination,
which shows up in how and when initiating searches in Indigenous vs. Non-indigenous
communities are handled.
Communities in this region echoed the critical need for Indigenous knowledge, experiences, and
“knowledge of our people related to SAR and how to protect our community members, our
communities know the land. They have taken care of it since time immemorial,” SAR operations
must acknowledge, respect, and defer to these approaches where appropriate.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 29Key Actions:
• Regarding the ISC funds discussion and introducing new SAR specific funding under the
'non-structural mitigation program.' The region would like to see ISC, SAR, and
communities come together to navigate these funding processes to get the alignment
going.
• Organizations and SAR to meet to discuss clearly defined roles and responsibilities and to
ensure that communities have resources, information, and other tools to inform
community volunteers how they can best support them.
• A shorthand booklet for enacting emergency management is needed, especially when
pulling communities together during times of high stress and would help navigate those
processes - "The State of Emergency" processes/levels.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 30North East Region
Region: North EMBC Region Community Co-facilitator: Graphic
East Lead Facilitator: Danielle Recorder:
Kaylee Tower Kaylee Tower Mitchell Patricia
McDougal
Session 1 Session 2
• Roundtable updates from each of the
communities Nation to Nation discussion,
• Learn about last year through sharing stories No external organizations
• Learnings, successes and struggles from 2020
• Community facilitator asked what they want to
talk about on day two
• Discuss how to move forward
Discussion Highlights:
The word expressed from this region is Collab-or-action. While Indigenous communities are in
various stages of 'readiness,' they indicated: “our communities have been at this (emergency
management and response) a long time and want action”. Communities acknowledged they
require collaboration with government and system partners to establish emergency plans,
communication plans, etc. however they indicated that “no mandates exist for government and
industry partners to work with our communities”.
Communities shared their experiences navigating complex, bureaucratic administrative
processes, including overlapping FNHA and other health planning requirements and
templates/planning processes (e.g., infectious disease plans, UBCM Fire Smart planning, etc.).
Many expressed frustrations regarding procedures, particularly with disproportionate resourcing
and impacts.
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 31During the dialogue, communities indicated they require clarification regarding negotiations with
external industry partners and what the expectations, and land requirements are. Furthermore,
they indicated the necessity to have mechanisms to provide input and decision-making into the
boundaries of their traditional territories.
Feedback regarding existing training approaches and frameworks revealed that communities felt
these have been a good start. Communities are looking at integrating Indigenous training
support models, systems of knowledge into emergency response. They would like to collaborate
with EMBC to devise ways to better support training within their communities and at the
regional level.
Key Actions: During the sessions, the community facilitator specifically sought advice and input
from the community representatives which have been framed as key action:
• The communities suggest FNESS, ISC, and EMBC facilitate a shared/standardized planning
process and resources/tools to address the complexities, overlap, and delays in existing
functions.
• An environmental scan and analysis of what exists are urgently required; i.e., what plans,
flood assessment plans, vulnerability assessments, wildfire plans, etc., are currently in
place? What is not in place in communities? What are the gaps that need filling?
Summary Report: Indigenous Emergency Management Partnership Table Conference 2021 32South East Region
Region: South East EMBC Region Community Co-facilitator: Graphic
Lead Facilitator: John Amanda Engen Recorder:
John Topolovec Topolovec Morrie Dawson
Session 1 Session 2
• Day 1: Youth in Emergency Management • Day 2: Developing Emergency
Support Services (ESS) subtopics /
framework to facilitate dialogue
Feedback and Dialogue:
Partnership development indicates good relationships with EMBC Regional Directors for this
area. FNESS has offered programs pre-COVID. ESS programs are currently being offered as are
Wildfire Preparedness and the Fire Smart Program; these programs are well received. There is
evidence of strengthened relationships with neighboring Indigenous communities
The focus of dialogue in this region included youth student supports available in education,
training in emergency planning, finance and operations, COVID Safety measures, and other
emergencies: e.g. Spring flooding. Updates and issues included Mental Health supports
(programs), youth and the opioid crisis, and virtual activities. Strong relationships exist, but the
communities requested support in accessing emergency management information quickly.
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