Six Ford F550 fire trucks were distributed by the Tsilhqot’in National Government.
Retrofitted with a water tank and pump, they were given to the Tsilhqot’in communities to help strengthen the Nation’s capacity for emergency response and fire protection.
The TNG said this reflects over a decade of advocacy by former Chief Joe Alphonse and is a direct outcome of the Collaborative Emergency Management Agreement singed in 2018 between the Nation, Province of BC, and the Government of Canada.
“These fire trucks are the result of our Nation standing strong and demanding change.” stated Chief Otis Guichon, TNG Tribal Chief, “They are a direct outcome of our leadership’s commitment to assert Tsilhqot’in jurisdiction over emergency management and protect our communities on our own terms.”
The Nation said these trucks directly address critical needs identified in “The Fires Awakened Us” report that was developed in response to the devastating 2017 wildfires.
It calls for Indigenous-led emergency preparedness and response measures grounded in the land and community.
“We are seeing the devastation that wildfires can have on communities right now across the provinces.” Guichon said, “Our hope is that these trucks can reduce the potential spread of fire within our communities.”
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