OKIB Type 2 Wildfire crew training and employment opportunity

Information session: August 8th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm at portable beside TSD/old Cultural Immersion School

For more information contact Luke Defauw at: 250 241 6409 or fscoordinator@okanagan.org

Training opportunity starting in fall 2025

Proposed training schedule

Overview The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) is launching a Type 2 Wildland Fire Crew program to build local wildfire response capacity and protect community members, cultural values, and lands across our traditional territory. This initiative supports community resilience, employment, and stewardship through hands-on training, recognized certifications, and operational readiness. Purpose

• Protect OKIB Traditional Territory from wildfire threats through local response.
• Build community capacity in fire suppression, forest safety, and emergency operations.
• Create seasonal employment for trained OKIB members in wildfire operations.
• Support cultural and ecological stewardship through land-based skill development.

Implementation The program will roll out over three training phases, followed by seasonal deployment and ongoing refresher training. Key features include:

• Nationally and provincially recognized certifications (S-series, ICS, First Aid, WHMIS, TDG).
• Hands-on equipment training, including pumps, saws, radios, and heavy equipment awareness.
• Leadership and ignition modules to develop future Crew Bosses and Burn Operators.
• WorkSafeBC Danger Tree Assessor and Chainsaw Certification to ensure safety in active fire zones.
• Optional 30-Day Faller Certification Program for advanced participants. Training is provided by Cabin Operations Ltd and certified instructors under BC Wildfire Service and WorkSafeBC standards. Who Can Join?
• OKIB members and Indigenous individuals with an interest in wildfire suppression, land protection, and crew work.
• Must be physically fit, willing to work in challenging outdoor environments, and able to commit to the training period. Deployment & Operations Upon successful training, the Type 2 Crew will be deployable to fires within OKIB territory, as well as available to support BC Wildfire Service deployments in the wider region. The crew will operate under BCWS safety protocols, while integrating traditional knowledge, community priorities, and land-based values into its approach. Next Steps
• Recruitment begins Summer 2025
• Training starts Fall 2025, followed by operational readiness and standby for wildfire response
• Ongoing seasonal engagement through refresher courses, FireSmart activities, and hazard mitigation projects