By Tri-Cities News |
The City of Coquitlam and the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation are partnering in a program to train city staff in culturally sensitive approaches to emergency management.
In a press release this week, the two organizations announced the appointment of Desiree Baker to lead a training program for city staff.
Baker, a member of the Namgis First Nation from Alert Bay, brings a wealth of Indigenous knowledge and experience to her role as a skilled facilitator and trainer, according to the press release.
What the training will do
Coquitlam’s Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility Training initiative is being funded by a grant in the amount $29,600 received from provincial Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, and administered by the Union of BC Municipalities.
Baker was elected by a steering committee comprised of representatives of both the City of Coquitlam and the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation to develop and deliver training that ”fosters inclusivity and deepens city staff’s understanding of the unique needs and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples with a focus on emergency management situations.”
Learning materials will emphasize the importance of engaging in respectful and collaborative relationships, acknowledging power imbalances and actively listening to and learning from Indigenous perspectives, the press release further states.
