Federal Government Boosts Indigenous Fire Stewardship with $2.3M

BREAKING: The federal government has just announced a critical funding boost of $2.3 million to support groundbreaking fire management technologies developed through a partnership between UBC Okanagan (UBCO) and the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS). This funding is part of Natural Resources Canada’s Build and Mobilize Foundational Wildland Fire Knowledge program, which allocated a total of $41.7 million across 20 projects aimed at enhancing wildfire safety across Canada.

The announcement was made by The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, who emphasized that addressing the increased threat of wildfires is a top priority. “Protecting the safety, health, and economic wellbeing of communities across Canada is essential as we face the ongoing threat of wildfires,” Hodgson stated. He affirmed that this funding will advance wildfire knowledge, enhance risk mitigation strategies, and bolster Indigenous fire stewardship.

This funding will propel the work of Dr. Mathieu Bourbonnais, Assistant Professor at UBCO, who is collaborating with FNESS to integrate Indigenous knowledge with innovative technology. “By weaving Indigenous knowledge and values with new fire-risk sensor technology and predictive models, this project will help mitigate the risk of severe wildfire,” Dr. Bourbonnais noted.

As part of the initiative, 150 fire-risk sensors will be deployed in partnership with First Nations communities in British Columbia. These sensors will feed data into AI predictive models created by UBCO researchers, enabling accurate forecasts of wildfire risk and behavior. The integration of this data with local values and infrastructure will support tailored fire management frameworks designed to meet community needs.

Matt Nelson, FNESS Integrated Fire Management Supervisor, called the funding a “game-changer.” He explained, “This support from Natural Resources Canada allows UBCO and FNESS to work collaboratively with First Nations communities on holistic fire mitigation. By combining Indigenous knowledge with new technology, we’re empowering communities to protect their land and their people.”

The partnership’s impact extends to restoring traditional fire practices, which are crucial for cultural heritage and community resilience. The funding will support this vital project through 2028.

In addition to the $2.3 million for UBCO and FNESS, the government also announced an extra $3.9 million in grants for 10 Indigenous-led projects, further emphasizing its commitment to enhancing fire management and community safety.

This urgent initiative is a pivotal step in protecting Canadian families and homes from the escalating threat of wildfires. Residents and stakeholders across the country are encouraged to stay informed as this project unfolds, looking forward to a future where communities are better equipped to manage and mitigate wildfire risks.

Stay tuned for more updates on this critical partnership and its developments in the coming months.