Many Indigenous communities—particularly those in remote locations—are immensely vulnerable to the threat of wildfire. FireSmart represents one pathway towards wildfire resilience that Indigenous communities may choose to adopt, often blending and working with established cultural fire practices and land stewardship initiatives. To discuss her experiences and the process of integrating FireSmart into an Indigenous community, we sat down with Local FireSmart Representative Aislinn Gentles, currently working as the OHS & Emergency Program Manager for Saulteau First Nations. Through our conversation, we learn how she has worked with Saulteau First Nation in the integration of FireSmart and how these programs can help support the ongoing stewardship of their lands. We also discuss her suggested Indigenous Community Project Guide and how it supports Indigenous communities in starting their FireSmart Journey and continuing it for years to come.

This episode was recorded live at the 2024 Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit.

Links:

Learn more about FireSmart BC: firesmartbc.ca

Watch FireSmart BC videos: https://vimeo.com/firesmartbc

Learn more about Saulteau First Nations: https://www.saulteau.com/