BC NDP MLA Tamara Davidson says funding will strengthen cultural safety during emergencies in the North Coast Regional District

PORT EDWARD – BC NDP MLA Tamara Davidson says new funding will help make sure that local emergency management practices are inclusive and respectful of Indigenous people and communities.

“Keeping everyone safe during emergencies is a top priority, and projects like this ensure better communication and understanding when it’s most important,” said Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii. “I’m glad that this project will include ongoing engagement with community members.” 

The North Coast Regional District, with regional partners Prince Rupert and Port Edward, is receiving $110,000 in funding for Indigenous cultural safety and humility training.

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.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025EMCR0002-000103