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Kwikwetlem and City of Coquitlam Initiate Indigenous Cultural Safety in Emergency Management
The City of Coquitlam and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation are excited to announce an important first step in improving Indigenous cultural safety in local emergency management as they confirm the appointment of Desiree Baker to lead a training program for City staff.
In support of Reconciliation, the City of Coquitlam and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation are working together to prioritize the recognition and respect for local Indigenous cultural practices, beliefs and values.
This includes joining forces to strengthen the resilience of their respective communities in the face of emergencies. An important step forward in this collaboration is the implementation of an Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility Training program for the City’s emergency management teams. This training initiative builds on the Joint Mitigation Flood Initiative and application in September 2022 (pending approval) to secure funding towards dike improvements and flood prevention measures along the Coquitlam and Fraser Rivers.
Desiree Baker, of the ‘Namgis First Nation, has been selected by a steering committee comprised of representatives of both the City of Coquitlam and the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation to develop and deliver training that fosters inclusivity and deepens City staff’s understanding of the unique needs and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples with a focus on emergency management situations.