About the NIFSC
For us, by us
The National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) is the result of a new Indigenous developed framework designed to support Indigenous communities in the development of their internal capacity to improve community safety and resiliency.
The NIFSC is Indigenous-inspired, designed and led in collaboration with regional and national Indigenous communities, organizations and leaders.
Why do we need the NIFSC?
To create a national approach to fire safety in Indigenous communities. A few of the reasons that fire safety within Indigenous communities needs to be addressed are:
- There is currently no national fire protection act that mandates fire safety standards or enforcement.
- There is no mandated enforcement of occupational health and safety.
- Houses and capital infrastructure are not subject to a national building inspection process.
In 2019/20, the main effort of the NIFSC was to engage with Indigenous communities.
During that engagement, we heard clearly that change is wanted. The NIFSC team is working to bring about that change in collaboration with communities and existing organizations. The team continues to reach out to constituents to seek feedback on programs as they are developed.
NIFSC Programs for Indigenous Communities
Fire Prevention and Public Education
Creation of culturally-relevant programs that benefit all community members.
Community Fire Services
Support in providing a range of fire, public safety, and community infrastructure services.
Regional Support
Ensure opportunities for funding, equipment, fire prevention initiatives, and training.
Support for Governance
Provide expertise to Indigenous governance and leadership at the regional/national level.
Insurance
Support access to and rates for individual and community infrastructure insurance.
Research
Indigenous-specific research with national agencies and provincial Fire Marshal/Fire Commissioner offices.
Incident Reporting
Research to reduce fire incidents through infrastructure and data collection.
Wildfire Interface Response
Integrated community-based fire services to engage in national fire incidents.
Indigenous Fire Service Employment
Increased employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples.
There are five main project areas:
one
Governance & Corporate Development
Will establish the NIFSC Project as an independent, Indigenous-run organization that is mandated to improve fire safety for Indigenous Peoples and communities across the country.
two
Research
Find opportunities to enhance the organization’s goals while ensuring program development is based on evidence.
three
Program Development
Work with communities to identify individual needs and develop appropriate programs.
four
Program Delivery
Test, deliver, monitor, and evaluate all programs over a two-year period.
five
National Incident Reporting System
Used to capture data, identify trends, and share fire prevention, training and standards resources, allowing for the development of programs that will have the most positive impact.
The Indigenous Fire Marshal Service (IFMS) is the delivery arm of the NIFSC. IFMS Delivery Specialists work with communities to deliver programs to meet the communities’ needs. They are fire service experts that are certified and experienced who can provide technical support and advice on program development. Delivery Specialists can directly deliver programs in communities, support communities and their members to deliver programs within their communities and support the self-delivery of selected programs.