The District of Kitimat has received $10,000 in provincial funding to cover the cost of Indigenous cultural awareness training conducted in November. The funding, announced two weeks ago, comes from the Community Emergency and Preparedness Fund (CEPF) and was awarded based on an application submitted in October.
This is the second time Kitimat has received funding for the training, which included saksiwá (x̄á’isla Haisla Cultural Awareness Training) and a Blanket Exercise—an interactive session that explores the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Haisla territory. Facilitated by the Haisla Nation’s Culture and Language department, the program has trained 192 District of Kitimat employees since 2021.
“Emergencies are stressful for everyone impacted, and ensuring access to culturally sensitive supports is essential to people’s safety and well-being,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “By providing staff and volunteers with cultural safety training, supports and relationship building, we help ensure Indigenous people feel valued, included and cared for during emergencies.”
Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said the funding strengthens collaboration between First Nations and emergency responders, ensuring services are inclusive and culturally respectful.
Kitimat is among several northwest B.C. communities to receive funding in this round of grants. The Bulkley-Nechako Regional District was awarded $31,650 for cultural competency training in emergency response, while the North Coast Regional District received $110,000 for Indigenous cultural safety and humility training.
