Indigenous Fire Agencies
National Indigenous Fire Safety Council
The National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) offers an Indigenous Youth Wildfire Training program to empower Indigenous youth (ages 15-30) with wildfire management and emergency response skills. Their goal over 18 months is to train 500 Indigenous firefighters through such courses as the S-100 Basic Wildfire Suppression, S-185 Fire Entrapment and Avoidance, ICS-100 Incident Command System, and WHMIS.
Participants get hands-on training and online learning, with sessions across Canada—from Nova Scotia to the Northwest Territories. It’s free and helps youth build essential skills, gain experience, and explore careers in emergency management.
Yukon First Nations Wildfire
Yukon First Nations Wildfire (YFNW) brings together nine Yukon First Nations to boost community resilience by combining traditional knowledge with modern emergency services. Focused on empowering Indigenous youth, they’re building the next generation of leaders ready to tackle emergencies while honouring traditional practices.
YFNW runs wildfire response programs across Yukon, training people in firefighting, leadership, and community support. Their goal is about building long-term sustainability and creating strong, adaptive communities across the North.
First Nations’ Emergency Services Society
The First Nations' Emergency Services Society (FNESS) helps First Nation communities in BC create safer, more resilient environments. Focused on all-hazards emergency management, FNESS offers support through its four pillars: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. From prevention programs and training to post-crisis assistance, FNESS tackles challenges like communication gaps, tech access, and funding struggles faced by small and remote communities.
By working closely with local leaders, FNESS helps assess needs, develop plans, and connect communities to resources and funding. With deep respect for the land, people, and traditions, FNESS is all about empowering communities to handle emergencies confidently and reduce risks effectively.
