VERNON – BC NDP MLA Harwinder Sandhu says new funding will help make sure that local emergency management practices are inclusive and respectful of Indigenous people and communities.

“Everyone here in the Okanagan is familiar with climate-related emergencies, and all levels of government continue to work together to ensure our communities are as prepared as possible,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby. “By making cultural safety a priority, we can improve communication between people and emergency personnel, resulting in better outcomes and safety for everyone.”

The City of Vernon is receiving $40,000 in funding for cultural safety educators.

The provincial government is providing approximately $1 million for 20 projects around BC. Projects include staff and volunteer training, and building and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund supports local governments and First Nations to better prepare for and respond to disasters. In addition to Indigenous cultural safety and cultural-humility training, CEPF funding also supports:

• disaster-risk reduction and climate adaptation;
• volunteer and composite fire departments equipment and training;
• emergency operations centre equipment and training;
• public notification and evacuation route planning;
• emergency support-services equipment and training.

Since the CEPF was established in 2017, more than $300 million has been provided to First Nations and local governments for over 2,170 projects.