Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:
The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is calling for a public inquiry into governments’ planning and response to this year’s wildfires.
There are clearly urgent lessons to be learned from this unprecedented wildfire season. Government did not take appropriate action to prevent wildfire risks or to prepare for a quick response. The lessons and recommendations in the Firestorm 2003 Provincial Review Report were largely ignored which put lives, lands and property at risk.
There is an urgent need for better informed and better coordinated emergency response by government agencies, recognizing First Nations’ legal authority to manage the emergency in their communities and fully integrating First Nation firefighters, equipment and knowledge with provincial efforts.
Despite these problems, First Nation communities met the challenge head on and played a major role in protecting people and communities from the wildfires.
A public inquiry is critical to ensure that the voices and experiences of those impacted by the wildfires this summer are fully heard and confidence can be restored in wildfire response before the next wildfire season.
Joe Alphonse, TNG Tribal Chairman said:
“This was the worst wildfire season in B.C. history. Government agencies repeatedly failed to acknowledge First Nation authority, our expertise and our capability to protect our communities and territory. Evacuation orders were unlawfully pushed on our communities and we were not consulted on road closures, removal of health personnel and other resource allocations. These failings put our communities at greater risk. A public inquiry that includes the Federal Government is needed to investigate this, clarify the problems and recommend improvements. We must ensure all communities are prepared, protected and respected during wildfire emergencies.”
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