MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT RENEWS FIRST NATIONS WILDFIRE PROTECTION AGREEMENTS

The Ministry of Environment has renewed wildfire protection agreements with the Prince Albert Grand Council, the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Beardy's/Okemasis First Nation.

Under the contracts, First Nations wildfire suppression crews are positioned on northern reserves. The five-person crews provide initial attack and sustained action on wildfires occurring on the reserve, as well as on lands where the ministry is responsible for fire suppression.

"These agreements provide local job opportunities and strengthen the provincial wildfire program's ability to protect people, communities and property in northern Saskatchewan," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "These long-standing agreements reflect the success of a partnership approach."

The four-year agreements provide First Nations with employment opportunities, on-reserve labour for public works projects when not fighting fires, specialized wildfire training and opportunities to move into permanent jobs on the ministry's fire crews. The ministry also benefits from 50/50 partnered base funding from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

"Building capacity within First Nations is critical and our support for these skilled employees ensures that communities are cared for in many key infrastructure areas, along with the peace of mind that comes with having firefighters at the ready right on the reserve," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister June Draude said. "I am glad we can work directly with First Nations and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to keep communities safe."

First Nations have provided contracted wildfire suppression services to the Ministry of Environment since 1992. A similar contract with the Agency Chiefs Tribal Council expires in 2010.

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For more information, contact:

Tom Laxdal
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-3429

Jeanette Krayetski
Environment
Prince Albert
Phone: 306-953-2691