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Vancouver, British Columbia, August 12, 2025 — The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) is proud to announce that it has been selected by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to receive funding through NRCan’s Build and Mobilize Foundational Wildland Fire Knowledge program.
The program is part of NRCan’s $45.7 million investment in 30 wildfire-related projects across the country, aimed at improving wildfire risk assessments, advancing mitigation strategies, enhancing adaptive forestry practices, and expanding access to wildfire readiness tools. Of this total, $3.9 million is dedicated to 10 Indigenous-led projects, including BCMF’s work to restore and maintain Métis cultural fire practices. BCMF is the only Métis organization to receive this NRCan support.
BCMF’s funded project builds on the organization’s ongoing archival research and literature review of Métis wildfire management practices. This research documents historical cultural wildfire resilience and supports approaches combining traditional Métis fire stewardship with modern science.
At today’s federal announcement event in Calgary, BCMF Director of Research Joe Desjarlais spoke of the need for historically informed Métis voices in wildfire policy and preparedness. He remarked, “This funding from Natural Resources Canada will allow BCMF’s community-based researchers to continue to gather knowledge of how Métis interacted with fire historically, and to establish a response to wildfire issues that can inform future initiatives.”
The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, emphasized the value of Indigenous leadership in this work, noting that, “Today’s announcement will allow us to prepare for future challenges by advancing wildfire knowledge, accelerating risk and mitigation strategies, and supporting Indigenous fire stewardship to build resilience and protect Canadian families and homes.”
With this investment, BCMF will continue its leadership in wildfire preparedness, working with governments, researchers, and partners to protect Métis families and communities now and in the future.
For more information on the Build and Mobilize Foundational Wildland Fire Knowledge Program, go to https://natural-resources.canada.ca/forest-forestry/wildland-fires/build-mobilize-foundational-wildland-fire-knowledge
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About BCMF
The BC Métis Federation (BCMF) is a non-profit association that works with Métis communities to ensure the well-being of BCMF members. Through grassroots efforts, BCMF advocates on behalf of its many members living all across the province.
Media Contact
Keith Henry, President, BC Métis Federation
P: (778) 388-5013
E: K.Henry@BCMetis.com
