SASKATOON, Sask. — The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) participated at the Indigenous Public Safety Conference, a national gathering of fire safety professionals, emergency responders, community leaders and knowledge keepers.
The conference was held Oct. 24-27 in Saskatoon.
Hosted by the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC), this annual event included training sessions, panel discussions, keynote speakers and information sessions.
According to Sask. Community Safety, the conference also highlighted the importance of collaboration in public safety. Earlier this year, the SPSA, Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), together with the Government of Saskatchewan, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen wildfire preparedness, prevention, response and recovery efforts. The agreement formalizes ongoing collaboration and provides a framework for First Nations leadership, knowledge and experience to help inform wildfire planning and strategy in Saskatchewan, says Sask. Community Safety.
"The Indigenous Public Safety Conference is an important opportunity to bring together Indigenous leaders, public safety professionals, emergency management experts and community partners to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and learn from one another," SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said.
"By listening to Indigenous perspectives and recognizing the value of Indigenous knowledge and leadership, we can build stronger, more resilient communities and enhance our collective ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Collaboration and partnership are essential to public safety, and this conference helps advance that important work."
Pre-conference training sessions were held on Oct. 24 and 25 and included instruction on Incident Command Systems; basic fire suppression; planning a cultural burn; and fire and life safety accreditation.
Workshops explored the latest developments in fire safety, emergency response, mental health and community resilience. Sessions were organized into six focused streams: fire operations; fire prevention; climate change/wildfire; technology; emergency management; and occupational health and safety.
History was also made at the conference as wildfire mascots Smokey the Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog, Ember the FireSmart Fox and Torch the Turtle came together for the first time at an event. Together, these four icons spread vital education, inspire youth and help make communities safer, says Sask. Community Safety.
