Grant to help Vernon boost Indigenous input on emergency management

A provincial grant will be used to incorporate First Nations input into Vernon’s emergency operations.

The B.C. government is offering $40,000 in one-time funding to all local governments and Indigenous governing bodies to assist with implementing the new Indigenous engagement requirements set out in Bill 31, the Emergency and Disaster Management Act.

The funding would be used to to support relationship-building through consultation and cooperation with Indigenous bodies, incorporate Indigenous knowledge and cultural safety throughout emergency management practices, support policy improvements to reflect experiences of Indigenous peoples, and address the disproportionate impacts on Indigenous people during emergency events.

Mike Walroth, deputy fire chief, emergency management, told Vernon council, in order to receive the funds, the city will need to submit a contribution agreement with the province which outlines the terms and conditions of the funding.