Cree Nation and Ontario fire departments unite to strengthen fire safety
For immediate release (Jan. 31, 2025)
The Fire Prevention Officer (FPO) Mentorship Program was officially launched today in Orillia, Ont., bringing together fire services from across Ontario and the Cree Nation communities of Northern Québec.
The FPO Mentorship Program, the first of its kind in Canada, will see 10 FPOs from the Cree Nations of Northern Québec travelling to Southern Ontario to work in conjunction with 11 fire departments to gain experience in establishing their own programs at home. The program will see each FPO partner with an Ontario fire department for one month and will allow them to bring back valuable fire safety knowledge and experience to their community.
The program was created in partnership with the Emergency Management Group Inc., Waswanay Consulting Inc., Ontario fire departments and the Grand Council of Crees (Eeyou Istchee).
The Ontario fire departments participating are:
- Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service
- King Fire & Emergency Services
- Kingston Fire and Rescue
- Kitchener Fire Department
- Oakville Fire Department
- Orillia Fire Department
- Rama Fire Rescue Service
- Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services
- Sarnia Fire Rescue Services
- St. Catharines Fire Services
- Windsor Fire & Rescue Services
About the Grand Council of the Crees
Our land—Eeyou Istchee—which means the People’s Land, comprises over three hundred “traplines,” or traditional family hunting and trapping grounds. Our traditional territory, an area of over 400,000 square kilometres, or two-thirds the size of France, is located primarily in northern Quebec and includes the lands on the eastern shore of James Bay and south-eastern Hudson Bay, as well as the lakes and rivers that drain into them.
Quotes from Leadership
Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty, Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istche)/Cree Nation Government:
“Fire prevention is so vital for our communities, especially with the unique challenges we face. This mentorship program will give our Fire Prevention Officers the knowledge and support needed to better protect our communities and build a safer future for all in Eeyou Istchee.”
Chief Ted Williams, Chippewas of Rama First Nation:
“The Fire Prevention Officer Mentorship Program highlights the strength of collaboration in enhancing fire safety. By bringing together fire services from Ontario and the Cree Nation communities of Northern Québec, this initiative equips officers with vital skills and knowledge to safeguard their communities, while fostering meaningful connections that will have a lasting impact.”
Mayor Don McIsaac, City of Orillia:
“Orillia is honoured to be a part of this vital initiative, contributing to the safety and resilience of our Cree Nation partners while building lasting relationships. Fire prevention is a shared responsibility and this mentorship program is a powerful example of how collaboration strengthens community safety.”
Michelle Vandevord, Executive Director, National Indigenous Fire Safety Council:
“The National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) commends the Cree Nation and Ontario fire departments for their collaboration in the Fire Prevention Officer Mentorship Program. By providing the Cree Nations with the tools and knowledge to develop Fire Prevention Programs and Community Risk Reduction Outreach Programs, we can help ensure that these communities are better prepared to prevent fires and protect their residents. We extend our deepest gratitude to all stakeholders, organizers, and participants who contributed to the success of this program. Collaborative efforts like these are fundamental in advancing our shared mission of fire safety for all Indigenous communities.”
Deputy Fire Chief Rob Grimwood, President, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs:
“The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) commends the Grand Council of Crees (Eeyou Istchee) Cree Nation Government and the participating Ontario Fire Departments providing their time and mentorship for Fire Prevention Officers to learn here in Ontario and take back to their communities. It is with fire protection education and training, fire prevention initiatives, that one can prevent fires and tragedies.”
For More Information
Melissa Gowanlock
Manager of Communications
City of Orillia
705-330-1951
mgowanlock@orillia.ca
Kristen Moar
Political Attache
Office of the Grand Chief
819-895-4451
kristen.moar@cngov.ca
Shaun Cameron
Program and Policy Advisor
Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
905-426-9865 x.1223
Shaun.cameron@oafc.on.ca