Image: B.C. Wildfire Service / The Flood Falls Trail fire in September, 2023.

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Cultural safety

Funding boosts cultural safety in emergency management in Abbotsford, Kent and across B.C.

Jan 19, 2024 | 11:30 AM

ABBOTSFORD — In a bid to enhance cultural safety in local emergency management, communities across British Columbia are expected to benefit from provincial funding aimed at ensuring inclusivity and respect for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people during emergencies. Acting Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, George Heyman, highlighted the need for culturally safe and inclusive emergency management supports.

Approximately $580,000 from the Indigenous Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility Training stream of the Community Emergency and Preparedness Fund (CEPF) will be distributed among 22 local projects. In a news release, the provincial government says its funding is meant to empower local governments and First Nations to make emergency management more inclusive and culturally sensitive.

Specifically, the Fraser Valley Regional District will focus on training emergency management staff, volunteers, and elected officials to increase understanding of cultural differences and the potential systemic impacts of emergency decisions on First Nations.

Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, emphasized the importance of local emergency management programs in cultural safety. “By creating more opportunities for staff and volunteers to learn about cultural safety, we are working toward ensuring Indigenous people feel respected, included and cared for during emergencies.”

Jason Lum, board chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District, says the funding is important. “This funding provides a valuable opportunity to equip the organization with essential training, ensuring the presence of compassion and cultural awareness during distressing times.”

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The Community Emergency and Preparedness Fund, established in 2017, has seen a substantial investment of $369 million from the Province. Over $176 million has been allocated to First Nations and local governments for more than 1,700 projects, contributing to disaster-risk reduction, climate adaptation, and enhanced emergency-support services. Among the recipients, Abbotsford, Fraser Valley Regional District, and Kent will receive funding for projects focused on Indigenous cultural safety and emergency management training.