In November 2023, British Columbia adopted the Emergency and Disaster Management Act, introducing new regulations on Indigenous consultation and collaboration. As part of this initiative, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness has provided funding opportunities to support local government Emergency Programs in their Indigenous Cultural Safety Training and relationship-building efforts.
In 2024, Indigenous Engagement Requirement Funding Program resources were used to host a full day of Indigenous Corporate Training. This session was attended by the Mayor and Council, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) staff, Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers, and Bowen Island Fire Rescue volunteers.
Building on this foundation, Bowen Island Municipality’s Emergency Program is using this year’s funding to host a series of workshops aimed at strengthening relationships and fostering a more resilient emergency program. These workshops are part of Paddles Across Canada, a collaboration between the International Sustainability Education Foundation and the Squamish Ocean Canoe Family.
During the workshops, participants will carve traditional canoe paddles while sharing meals with Elders and hearing their stories. Each session provides an opportunity to deepen cultural understanding and connection.
Participants in the Paddle Project include EOC staff, ESS volunteers from Bowen Island and Lions Bay, Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program volunteers, Council members, Bowen Island Fire Rescue staff, as well as representatives from Squamish Nation Emergency Planning & Response and the Emergency Program Coordinator from Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
Our first set of workshops were on February 19th and will continue throughout the spring months. Please check back to see more photos of our progress!
