First Nations Wildfire Evacuation Partnership - FNWEP

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First Nations Wildfire Evacuation Partnership - FNWEP

Uniting Researchers, First Nations, & Agencies to improve wildfire evacuation processes. Book and more resources at: https://linktr.ee/fnwep

06/03/2026

🔥Please join us in welcoming Thomas Carstens, our new I-STEAM Intern! Thomas joined us on May 1 and is working alongside Dr. Tara McGee and Dr. Douglas Yearwood on a research project exploring how artificial intelligence can help address gaps in emergency planning, with a focus on Indigenous communities, wildfire evacuation, and host-community coordination. He was drawn to the FNWEP project because it combines his interests in psychology, economics, and politics. Thomas is passionate about economic resource allocation and believes growing First Nations populations deserve greater attention in research and policy discussions.

He is a proud member of the Keeseekoowenin First Nation in Manitoba. Although he grew up in Edmonton, he has maintained a deep connection to his home community through his mother and a strong awareness of the unique challenges First Nations face during natural disasters through the lived experiences of relatives, which inspired him to give back through meaningful research that supports First Nations communities to build more proactive and resilient systems.

Thomas recently completed his second year at the University of Alberta, where he studies Economics, Psychology, and Politics. He began at the UofA through the Transition Year Program (TYP) in Fall 2023. Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue a Master’s in Economics or an MBA and eventually work in public policy, government, or economic think tanks. He also recently launched his Substack, The Synthetic Brief, where he writes about behavioral economics, political frameworks, and technology policy.

Fun fact: Thomas is also passionate about youth sports mentorship and coaching hockey. He says mentoring young athletes has been one of the most rewarding parts of his hockey journey, and credits the mentors he met through hockey programs for shaping who he is today. He also loves travelling, and one of his biggest adventures was trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp with his dad in Grade 6, followed by a trip through India visiting New Delhi, Goa, and the Taj Mahal in Agra!

We're privileged to have Thomas Carstens as part of our team — welcome aboard!

05/20/2026

🔥Wildfire evacuations don’t affect everyone the same—and First Nations communities deserve plans that reflect their realities.

FNWEP research highlights what needs to change:

->Evacuation planning must be community-specific, properly funded, and led by people who understand local needs. That means full-time emergency managers, clear transportation plans, and support for those out on the land.

->During evacuations, keeping families together, providing culturally appropriate spaces, and ensuring access to translators and trusted leadership can make a huge difference. Social support is essential.

->And after the fire? Support shouldn’t stop. Communities need space to heal, reconnect, and be reimbursed for costs incurred during evacuations.

Want to learn more? Read ‘Wildfire evacuation experiences of band members of Whitefish Lake First Nation 459, Alberta, Canada.‘ by Christianson, A. C., McGee, T. K., & Whitefish Lake First Nation 459: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-018-3556-9

04/29/2026

🔥It is that time of the year again! Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is back this May 2, 2026! Every action makes a difference when it comes to reducing wildfire risk. This national day is all about bringing communities together to raise awareness and boost resilience.

Research backs this up: A 2011 study by Dr. Tara McGee found that neighbourhood-level wildfire mitigation programs in Canada, the U.S., and Australia not only reduce fire risk, but also strengthen community resilience and relationships between residents and government agencies. The key? Active public engagement.

Take a look at these real examples from the study to spark ideas in your own community:
- Organizing neighbourhood “work bees” to thin vegetation and remove debris
- Hosting workshops with fire agencies to learn about local wildfire risks
- Coordinating evacuation planning and drills

Your community can do this too. Whether through yard cleanups, drafting an emergency plan, or simply talking to your neighbors, your efforts can help protect your community. When neighbours work together, they build safer, more connected, and more prepared communities.

Want to dive deeper into the research? Read: “Public engagement in neighbourhood level wildfire mitigation and preparedness: Case studies from Canada, the US and Australia” by Dr. Tara McGee: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479711001721

04/15/2026

🔥 Myth vs. Reality: Evacuation decisions are complex. While many people do leave when ordered, research shows that some residents stay behind for a variety of reasons, not because they don’t care about their safety.

Some individuals are unable to evacuate, for example, due to a lack of transportation or mobility challenges. Others choose to stay based on how they perceive the situation. Research has identified several reasons people may remain behind, including:

- Protect their homes, belongings, or animals.
- Limited access or terrain.
- Lack of clear or visible signs of danger.
- A desire to maintain control or self-reliance.

In some cases, people may not feel at risk, especially if there are no visible signs of danger or if they don’t receive clear or repeated warnings. Research also shows that past experience matters; people who have evacuated before are more likely to do so again. Understanding these factors is essential for improving evacuation planning, communication, and support systems so more people can leave safely when it matters most.

Want to learn more about factors influencing evacuations? Check out this research by McGee, Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation, & Christianson: 'Residents’ wildfire evacuation actions in Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation, Ontario, Canada.' 🔗https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420918308847?via%3Dihub

Stay informed. Stay safe.

04/08/2026

🔥Big news! We have launched a donation link to support our community-driven research on wildfire evacuation and preparedness in First Nations communities.

Wildfire evacuations are disruptive experiences that affect families and community well-being. At the FNWEP, we work alongside communities to listen, learn, and improve how evacuations are planned, experienced, and supported. Your support helps us continue our work!

To support: https://ualberta.alumniq.com/giving/to/science?iqfundcode=24646&appealcode=07428

You can also find the link in our Linktree (bio) or on our website.

💛 Thank you for supporting the FNWEP!

04/01/2026

🔥When emergencies force communities to evacuate, where people go and how they are supported matters deeply. Host communities play a vital role in ensuring evacuees feel safe, respected, and cared for. Here are key ways to strengthen that support:

1️⃣ Match communities thoughtfully
Whenever possible, host evacuees in places with similar cultural and social settings to help maintain connection, identity, and comfort.

2️⃣ Plan ahead
Communities need clear hosting plans that consider capacity, services, and cultural needs before disaster strikes.

3️⃣ Provide culturally sensitive care
Service providers should be trained to deliver care that respects traditions, values, and lived experiences.

4️⃣ Support all age groups
Children, youth, and Elders have unique needs. Recreation, cultural activities, and counseling can reduce trauma and help restore a sense of normalcy.

5️⃣ Ensure financial support
Access to funding allows families to purchase essentials, care for their children, and prepare for returning home.

6️⃣ Keep people connected
Free phone and internet access are critical so evacuees can stay in touch with loved ones and receive timely updates.

7️⃣ Collaborate with leadership
Working closely with Chiefs, councils, and community leaders ensures decisions are appropriate, respectful, and effective.

8️⃣ Prioritize clear communication
Information should be shared in ways that are timely, transparent, and culturally sensitive.

Thoughtful planning and culturally informed approaches can transform a difficult experience into one more manageable.

📚 Want to learn more?
Check out: “A qualitative study exploring barriers and facilitators of effective service delivery for Indigenous wildfire hazard evacuees during their stay in host communities” by Asfaw, Sandy Lake First Nation, McGee, & Christianson. 🔗 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420919304443

03/25/2026

🔥 Event in sight: We are excited to share that Dr. Tara, one of the FNWEP co-founders, will be presenting at the First Nations All-Hazards Forum tomorrow, March 26, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Edmonton. Her session, “First Nations Wildfire Evacuation Partnership and Hosting,” will take place at 3:15 PM and highlight key research findings from the FNWEP.

This forum brings together First Nations leadership, Directors of Emergency Management, Health Directors, and regional partners from Treaties 6, 7, and 8 across Alberta to explore the growing intersection between health emergency management, community safety, and emergency management systems within First Nations communities.

To learn more about the event: https://www.treatysix.org/events/first-nations-all-hazards-forum

If you’re attending, come connect with us! We would love to hear from you 👋

03/18/2026

🔥A new article published in The Conversation on March 12 by Drs. Tara and Amy explore how governments can better support Indigenous communities disproportionately impacted by wildfires.

Across Canada, wildfires are forcing communities to evacuate more frequently, and Indigenous communities account for 42% of wildfire evacuations over the past four decades. In the article, the co-founders of the FNWEP draw on their research to highlight the unique challenges these communities face during evacuations, including limited emergency management resources, transportation barriers, family separation, and inadequate accommodations.

Despite these challenges, the article also highlights the resilience of Indigenous communities and the leadership that helps evacuees support one another during crises. The authors call for stronger government coordination, long-term funding for emergency management, and greater investment in wildfire prevention.

Read the full article to learn more about the realities of wildfire evacuations and the solutions being proposed: https://theconversation.com/how-governments-can-help-indigenous-communities-disproportionately-impacted-by-wildfires-275198
A French version of the article is also available!

03/11/2026

🔥 Myth vs. Reality: The work never stops! Emergency teams work year-round to prepare communities, strengthen response systems, and improve emergency plans so they are ready when wildfire season arrives.

Long before the first wildfire of the season, teams are already reviewing lessons learned from the previous season, updating evacuation and emergency plans, training emergency responders and staff, strengthening coordination between agencies, testing alert and notification systems, and supporting community education and preparedness programs.

All of this behind-the-scenes work helps ensure that when a wildfire threatens a community, evacuations can happen faster, safer, and more effectively.

Want to learn more about the importance of pre-event preparedness and how it shapes real-world evacuation experiences? Check out this research by Henok Workeye Asfaw, Sandy Lake First Nation, Tara K. McGee & Amy Cardinal Christianson: 'Evacuation preparedness and the challenges of emergency evacuation in Indigenous communities in Canada: The case of Sandy Lake First Nation, Northern Ontario' 🔗 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212420918310860

Wildfire season is here, but preparation never stops.

Stay informed. Stay safe.

03/04/2026

🔥 Research Snapshot: When disasters strike, volunteers play a critical role in response and recovery. But how does disaster volunteering work within Indigenous communities?

Drawing on case studies from Aotearoa-New Zealand (Māori), Canada (First Nations), and the U.S (Navajo Nation), this research explores the unique enablers and challenges of volunteering in Indigenous contexts. Emergency management systems should not overlook how culture, governance, and lived experience shape volunteer response in Indigenous communities.

Participants and practitioners identified key cultural enablers:
-Building community capacity before disasters occur
-Engaging all senses when volunteering
-Supporting locally led psychosocial recovery grounded in cultural knowledge and trust

Key takeaway: Supporting disaster volunteering in Indigenous communities requires more than mobilizing people. Governance, coordination, and training must be culturally informed and community-led. The article provides practical recommendations for supporting volunteer management in Indigenous communities.

📄 To read the full article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17477891.2019.1657791

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