ABBOTSFORD- New Democrat MLA Pam Alexis says that funding announced today will help ensure Indigenous people in Abbotsford, Semá:th Nation, and the Fraser Valley Regional District receive inclusive and culturally safe support during emergencies through funding to enhance cultural safety and humility in local emergency management.
“When responding to emergencies, it’s always best to have as much information as possible,” said Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “By having a better understanding of cultural awareness and Indigenous perspectives and customs, it will mean a more seamless and informed experience in case of an emergency.”
The following First Nations and local governments are receiving funding:
- Abbotsford – Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility Training, $29,662.50
- Fraser Valley Regional District – Strengthening Relationships: Collaborative Emergency Management in the Shared Fraser Valley Landscape, $30,000
- Semá:th First Nation (Sumas) – Cultural Safety & Humility Pathways in Emergency Management for Semá:th, $30,000
The provincial government is providing approximately $580,000 for 22 local projects under the Indigenous Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility Training stream of the Community Emergency and Preparedness Fund (CEPF).
Funding may be used to enhance emergency management tools to be inclusive of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, provide cultural safety and humility training for staff and volunteers, or for partnering with First Nations on disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery.
Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024EMCR0005-000055