MLA Kelli Paddon says funding will improve cultural safety for Indigenous people during emergencies.
KENT– New Democrat MLA Kelli Paddon says that funding announced today will help ensure Indigenous people in Kent, Seabird Island 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.
Indigenous peoples know best the specific needs of their communities in case of emergencies” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “We know that our community is safer and stronger together. When first responders and municipalities have a better understanding of culturally specific needs and cultural safety, everyone benefits.”
The following First Nations and local governments are receiving funding:
- Kent – Emergency Program – Indigenous Training, $7,000
- Seabird Island Band – Indigenous Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility Training, $30,000
- Fraser Valley Regional District – Strengthening Relationships: Collaborative Emergency Management in the Shared Fraser Valley Landscape, $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