Abstract
Although fire is common and necessary in forest ecosystems, wildfires have become more frequent, severe, and consequential in the Canadian Boreal forest. Wildfires are influenced by climate change and also amplify it through increased greenhouse gas emissions. Wildfire evacuations have also become more frequent and longer in duration, with disproportionate impacts on First Nation communitites in remote regions of so-called Canada. Many Indigenous communities have experienced firsthand how wildfire management systems are misaligned with their needs, values, and aspirations. Remote First Nation communities have faced significant challenges related to fire response, fire risk mitigation, and fire-related evacuations, including limited meaningful engagement and recognition of community capacity and priorities. In this paper, I share insights that emerged from a multi-year community-based research collaboration titled “Indigenous Perspectives for Wildland Fire Management from Treaty 5 and 9 Remote First Nations.” I describe the project approach and research activities. Subsequently, I summarize and discuss the seven wise practices for supporting wildfire management with remote First Nations that emerged from our collaborative work. Importantly, these practices are based primarily on what people from remote First Nations shared about their experiences and aspirations through community engagement, workshops, and interviews. The seven wise practices are intended to inform and guide the approaches, activities, priorities, and decision-making processes of external agencies working in collaboration with remote Indigenous communities and supporting enhanced self-determination in wildfire management.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Unseen Unsustainability: Addressing Hidden Risks to Long-Term Wellbeing for All
KEYWORDS
Wildfire, Indigenous, Community-Based, Remote
