PRINCE ALBERT — Wildlife preparedness is the focus of a new memorandum of understanding between the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC).
A MOU, signed in Prince Albert, formalizes an ongoing partnership and establishes a framework for First Nations leadership and knowledge to help inform wildfire planning and strategy in Saskatchewan, according to the SPSA.
The agreement creates a more structured approach to collaboration, including regular engagement between the SPSA, PAGC and MLTC leadership before and after each wildfire season, as well as ongoing work through the First Nations Wildfire Strategy Working Group.
The collaborative work will also include Indigenous Services Canada and the Canadian Forest Service, bringing federal participation into discussions aimed at sharing knowledge, identifying priorities and developing recommendations to strengthen wildfire planning and preparedness, SPSA says.
"First Nations have generations of knowledge about our lands, our forests and the communities we are working to protect," PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said.
"That knowledge needs to be part of wildfire planning from the beginning – not only when an emergency is already underway. This agreement gives us a stronger way to work together before, during and after wildfire seasons. With First Nations, the province and federal partners at the table, we can identify gaps, improve preparedness and make decisions that better protect our people, our communities and our lands."
"Our communities have experienced firsthand the impacts of wildfires," MLTC Chief Jeremy Norman said. "By strengthening our partnership with the SPSA, we are taking an important step toward improving preparedness, enhancing communication and building resilience for future wildfire seasons."
The working group will provide a forum for sharing local and traditional knowledge, community experience, and lessons learned from previous wildfire events. It will also develop recommendations and feedback to support improvements to wildfire strategy, operational planning and community protection initiatives.
“Our government continues to take action to improve prevention, response and recovery from wildfires, and First Nations are an integral partner in effectively responding to the challenging threat of wildfires in our province,” Minister Responsible for the SPSA Michael Weger said.
“I thank the Prince Albert Grand Council and Meadow Lake Tribal Council, along with communities throughout Saskatchewan, for their strong leadership in protecting the people of Saskatchewan.”
"Wildfires continue to present significant challenges for communities across Saskatchewan," SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said.
"This agreement reflects our commitment to working alongside First Nations leadership to strengthen wildfire preparedness, improve response efforts and support long-term community resilience. We are committed to enhancing our working relationship and continuing to build a better coordinated and effective approach to protecting people, communities and valued lands."
According to SPSA, the MOU recognizes that effective wildfire management requires sustained collaboration and communication across jurisdictions.
