Coquitlam and Port Moody will each receive $40,000 to help ensure management of local emergencies is respectful of Indigenous people and communities.
The money is part of a $1-million allocation to 20 communities from the provincial Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. It will be used to train staff and volunteers involved with emergency management in Indigenous cultural safety and humility.
“Whether we’re facing potential flooding or other emergencies, having a culturally informed plan will put us in a better position to help everyone in the Tri-Cities,” said the MLA for Port Moody-Burquitlam, Rick Glumac, in a news release.
Added Christine Boyle, the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation,”By prioritizing cultural safety and Indigenous knowledge in emergency situations, emergency services can be delivered in a culturally safe and effective way.”
Since the emergency preparedness fund was established in 2017, more than $300 million has been spent on about 2,170 projects in local communities and First Nations.
They include:
- reducing the risk from disasters and climate change
- training and equipment for volunteer and composite fire departments
- emergency operations centre equipment and training
- public notification and evacuation-route planning.
