Yukon First Nations Wildfire was prepared to assist provinces like British Columbia and Ontario with their wildfire fighting efforts, as the Yukon had a relatively mild wildfire season. However, despite being ready to deploy their crews, the call for assistance never came, as per Nick Mauro, the organization’s CEO.
Mauro expressed frustration over the situation, noting that while international crews were being brought in to help, local resources like theirs were being overlooked. He highlighted that the current wildfire response system in Canada was not designed to easily integrate indigenous resources, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach.
Recent data revealed that a significant percentage of Yukon Wildland Fire Management branch’s firefighters and support personnel had been deployed to assist in other regions, further straining local resources. The responsibility for managing wildfire response in the Yukon falls under the Department of Community Services, which coordinates resources through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).
Decisions regarding the utilization of resources, whether local, contract, or international, are made by the jurisdiction managing the response, taking into account various factors such as availability, qualifications, and specific incident needs. Mauro and others have called for systemic changes at all levels to ensure better inclusion of First Nations fire crews and organizations in the firefighting efforts.
Members of the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq First Nation’s fire crew in New Brunswick also expressed disappointment at not being called upon despite their readiness and past contributions. Crew lead Madison Levi highlighted the frustration felt by indigenous fire crews across the country at being sidelined in favor of international assistance. Levi stressed the importance of having Indigenous representation in organizations like CIFFC and advocated for agreements that include First Nations crews in firefighting efforts.
The need for a more equitable and inclusive approach to wildfire response, particularly involving indigenous communities, has been emphasized by Mauro, Levi, and others in the firefighting community.