On-Reserve Wildfire Resiliency Program

The FNESS–ISC On-Reserve Wildfire Resiliency Program is designed to support First Nations communities in strengthening their wildfire resiliency at both the community and landscape levels. Delivered in partnership between the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), the program funds and facilitates the implementation of wildfire mitigation strategies that are flexible, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the unique strengths and customs of First Nations communities.The program offers support through three key streams:

1. Cultural and Prescribed Fire (CRx): Revitalizing traditional fire knowledge and supporting the use of cultural burning practices to restore ecosystem balance and reduce wildfire risk in a way that honors Indigenous stewardship.
2. FireSmart: Encouraging community-led initiatives that increase wildfire awareness and preparedness through education, planning, and risk reduction activities aligned with FireSmart principles.
3. Operational Fuel Treatment (OFT): Enabling hands-on fuel management activities such as thinning, pruning, and vegetation removal to create defensible spaces around communities and reduce wildfire hazards. By recognizing and incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems and priorities, the On-Reserve Wildfire Resiliency Program empowers First Nations to lead their own wildfire resiliency efforts in ways that are grounded in community values and practices.

• All Bands and Treaty First Nations in BC are eligible to apply. All lands under the management of First Nations are eligible for funding.
• Tribal Councils – Mitigation work must occur on reserve. 

$150,000 per community. Proposed projects can contain components of all three streams. 

Applicants must email FNESS at wildfireresiliency@fness.bc.ca to request an application and be assigned to the appropriate staff member that will help them through the application process. *Request must come from designated community representative. 

Applicants will need to provide a detailed budget using a budget template that is provided by FNESS.