Empowering Indigenous Voices in Wildfire Management: Insights from the 2024 Wildland Fire Conference

Attending the 2024 Wildland Fire Conference in Fredericton, New Brunswick, was an incredible experience. The depth of information was immense, but what stood out most was the strong presence of First Nations voices. Seeing so many Indigenous perspectives woven into the discussions was powerful, reaffirming the importance of our knowledge and expertise in wildfire management. It was also wonderful to connect with other First Nations people from BC and Secwepemc territory. Sharing space with others who understand the land and the work was deeply meaningful, and being part of a gathering that celebrated and respected our voices felt like a powerful statement.

The work Georgina Preston has done with the Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation (SXFN) has been both foundational and impactful. From 2018 to 2020, she worked within SXFN’s Stewardship Department, building strong relationships that laid the groundwork for future collaborations. In 2021, as a master’s student, she partnered with SXFN to conduct research on wildfire risk and mitigation within the wildland-urban interface of SXFN territory. As of October 2024, Georgina’s collaboration with SXFN has continued for over six years.

At the conference, Ashley—a dedicated SXFN community member and the environmental emergency management—had the honor of co-presenting as the First Nations translator for Georgina. Together, they delivered a presentation titled Wildfire Risk in Stswecem’c Xget’tem Territory: Settler-Colonial Barriers and Stswecem'c Xget’tem Solutions, addressing the unique challenges SXFN faces due to settler-colonial practices and highlighting culturally grounded approaches to wildfire risk and mitigation within SXFN territory. Georgina’s presentation underscored the strength of Indigenous voices in shaping wildfire management strategies and tackling broader environmental challenges. This collaboration was a powerful example of what can be achieved when Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are central to these critical discussions, emphasizing the importance of partnerships that honor and integrate these insights into broader wildfire management approaches.

A key takeaway from the conference was the importance of openly addressing the barriers our communities face, both within our lands and in the systems we are required to work within. Too often, these one-size-fits-all systems are designed to apply to all ecosystems and communities but simply don’t work for Indigenous territories. They overlook the unique environmental, cultural, and social needs of each First Nation and impose generalized solutions that fail to honor the depth of our knowledge and experience.

The chance to speak openly about these struggles and to articulate how these systems fall short was an invaluable part of the conference. It underscored the need for wildfire management practices that are flexible and responsive to Indigenous insights, rather than constrained by outdated frameworks. Real progress can only be achieved when Indigenous voices are central to these discussions, advocating for change and creating solutions as dynamic and resilient as the lands we steward.

Another critical issue raised was the rigid and inflexible funding structures that First Nations communities are forced to navigate. These “funding hoops” often lack the adaptability to meet the specific needs of our communities, despite the fact that we already know what needs to be done within our territories to foster healthier ecosystems. Instead of empowering our efforts, these structures frequently slow progress, requiring us to meet criteria that don’t align with the realities on our lands.

The restrictions and bureaucracy embedded in these funding systems ignore the valuable local knowledge our communities hold, making it harder for us to implement solutions that are urgent and essential for ecosystem health. This disconnect highlights the need for funding approaches that are flexible and informed by the insights of First Nations, ensuring that resources support Indigenous-led solutions directly responsive to the land and community. It’s time for funding agencies to trust and invest in First Nations as stewards of the land, empowering us to do the work we know is vital for the health of our territories and the well-being of all.