MILLBROOK FIRST NATION, THE ANCESTRAL AND
UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE MI'KMAQ PEOPLE, NS, Aug. 14,
2024 /CNW/ - Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and The
Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq (CMM)
First Nation governments are playing a leading role in assessing
the immediate needs of their communities and determining the
appropriate course of action during emergencies. As emergency
events such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and snow storms are
increasing in frequency and severity, having dedicated
community-level emergency management coordinators is vital.
Furthermore, the Government of Canada is advancing towards establishing
multilateral emergency management service agreements that include
First Nations as full and equal partners and support First
Nations-led emergency management.
Today, Angeline Gillis, Executive
Director of the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq, and Jenica Atwin, Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister of Indigenous Services, announced funding to hire 8
new emergency management coordinators for the Confederacy of
Mainland Mi'kmaq member communities in Nova Scotia.
A total of $2.4 million over five
years will be provided to the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq for
the enhancement of emergency management assistance in communities.
More specifically, with this announcement, 8 First Nation
communities in Nova Scotia will be
able to better prepare for and respond to emergency events quickly
and in a culturally relevant way while having access to emergency
response services comparable to other residents in their
jurisdiction.
Quotes
"I am excited to join Angeline
Gillis and all the members of the Confederacy of Mainland
Mi'kmaq in announcing the funding for 8 new Emergency Management
Coordinators in Nova Scotia. The
Government of Canada remains
steadfast in supporting Indigenous communities in times of crisis,
working collaboratively to ensure their safety, security,
and well-being. As flooding, seasonal storms, and wildfires have
become such a common occurrence in the Province, these new
emergency management coordinator positions will have the capacity
to respond to the unique needs of First Nation partners when
impacted by these emergencies."
Jenica Atwin
Parliament Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services
"Today's announcement marks a significant step forward in
strengthening the resilience of our communities. With the support
of dedicated emergency management coordinators, we can ensure that
our communities are not only better prepared for emergencies but
also empowered to lead responses that honour our cultural values
and traditions. This funding recognizes the importance of
Indigenous leadership in emergency management and reinforces our
commitment to safeguarding our people and our lands."
Angeline Gillis
Executive Director, The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq
Quick facts
- ISC is already providing funding for three coordinators with
the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq and the Union of Nova Scotia
Mi'kmaq. This new funding brings the total to 11 coordinators, more
than doubling the current capacity.
- The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq is a Tribal Council
incorporated in 1986 as a not-for-profit organization under the
Societies Act of Nova Scotia, with
a governing body comprised of Chiefs representing its eight-member
communities.
- The funding will be divided equally between Annapolis Valley,
Bear River, Glooscap, Millbrook, Pictou
Landing, Sipekne'katik, Wasoqopa'q (Acadia) First Nations
and Paqtnkek Mi'kmaq Nation.
- In partnership with First Nations communities, provincial and
territorial governments and non-government organizations,
Indigenous Services Canada's Emergency Management Assistance
Program (EMAP) helps on-reserve and other eligible First Nation
communities access emergency assistance services.
- EMAP provides funding to First Nations communities so they can
build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond to them
using the 4 pillars of emergency management: mitigation,
preparedness, response and recovery.
Associated links
- Emergency Management Assistance Program
- The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq
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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada