Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency signs wildfire MOU with First Nations

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) to integrate First Nations perspectives into wildfire management.

The agreement aims to incorporate Indigenous leadership and traditional knowledge into wildfire prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts. Stakeholders will engage regularly throughout the wildfire season to strengthen preparedness and community resilience.

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte emphasized that the councils possess “generations of knowledge about our lands, our forests and the communities we are working to protect,” noting that this expertise should be included in planning from the outset rather than only during active emergencies.