The BC Wildfire Service and the Ktunaxa Nation will host a joint training exercise in ʔaq̓am in September.
The training program, known as Kootenay ʔa·kinq̓uku TREX (prescribed fire training exchange), focuses on fire management and controlled burns as a way to manage wildfire risks.
“This pilot project will be the first-ever delivery of a TREX in B.C. and is one pathway for fire practitioners to gain experience and build relationships through operational cooperation and place-based learning,” said Sarah Budd, BC Wildfire Service Communications and Engagement Lead.
Max Andrew, Ktunaxa Nation Council Safety Coordinator said TREX is a hands-on course.
“It gives people more of an opportunity to work with fire through prescribed fire partnerships, leadership training and experimental training events,” said Andrew.
Andrew said a massive wildfire at ʔaq̓am in 2023 highlighted the importance of controlled burns.
“BC Wildfire Service and ʔaq̓am worked together to do a prescribed burn in the spring. Without that fire, I think we would have lost the airport and a lot of properties,” said Andrew.
“We need to put fire back on the land in a controlled way to help the ecosystem grow and reduce the wildfire danger.”
Participants from Ktunaxa member bands, First Nations Emergency Services Society, the BC Wildfire Service and local partners will take part in the training program.
Exercises will involve planning, operations, fire ecology and effects, and the use of traditional fire among other topics.
“Our community has worked closely with BC Wildfire on both prescribed burning and fire response and suppression. This collaboration will increase our capacity to protect our lands and communities and ensure our cultural practices continue to thrive,” said ʔaq̓am Nasuʔkin (Chief) Joe Pierre.
“ʔa·kinq̓uku TREX (ʔa·kinq̓uku is the Ktunaxa word for ‘fire,’) is a powerful example of how we can work together to create safer, more resilient landscapes.”
The training program will run from Sept 15 to 28 at ʔaq̓am.
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