The safety and security of First Nation communities is a shared priority for the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. Canada is committed to partnering with First Nations to ensure access to emergency assistance services that are comparable to those available to nearby non-Indigenous communities.
This is the first tripartite agreement of its kind in Canada and a significant step in federal, provincial and Tsilhqot'in Nation governments working together, learning together, and starting to implement practical changes necessary to help people in the event of an emergency situation in the community. It will also benefit the region, inform work with other Indigenous governments and communities, and contribute to the larger commitment to improve overall emergency management in the Province.
The Agreement reflects the common goal of the three governments to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
Under the Agreement, the federal, provincial and Tsilhqot'in Nation governments will work together to identify best practices and build on the capacity of the Tsilhqot'in communities in emergency management. The foundation for this work will be the lessons-learned during the unprecedented 2017 wildfire season in British Columbia. The goal of this Agreement is to build trust, relationships, strong lines of communication, improved processes between all partners, and to deliver emergency services in the most efficient and effective way for all British Columbians in the region.