The Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) provides funding to First Nations communities so they can build resiliency, prepare for and respond to natural hazards.

Under this program there are currently two open Calls for Proposals:

FireSmart Program

EMAP supports wildland fire non-structural mitigation and preparedness initiatives through the FireSmart funding stream.

FireSmart builds skills in First Nations communities to prevent and prepare against wild fires. Programming involves training First Nations teams in wildfire suppression duties, as well as fuel management and vegetation clearing, which reduces the intensity and spread of wildfires.

The FireSmart program also uses Indigenous knowledge of the local environment and terrain to improve emergency planning, preparation, and response to wildfires.

FireSmart project funding is available for initiatives, such as:

  • wildfire pre-suppression planning
  • wildfire risk assessments
  • fuel reduction, forest thinning, prescribed burning
  • fire breaks
  • wildland fire crew training
  • vegetation management
  • fire mapping
  • FireSmart training, workshops, conferences
  • community and youth engagement

Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness Program

The Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness funding stream is proposal-based and funds non-structural projects undertaken by First Nations communities on reserve to prepare for and mitigate emergencies caused by natural disasters, such as flooding, severe weather and drought.

The goal of the Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness funding stream is to assist First Nations communities on reserve to increase their preparedness and mitigation capacity through initiatives such as:

  • all-hazard risk assessments and mitigation plans
  • rapid damage assessments
  • development and updating of emergency management and evacuation plans
  • drills and table top exercises for emergency and evacuation plans
  • emergency management training
  • emergency operations center training
  • search and rescue training
  • mental health training
  • emergency support service training
  • 911 mapping
  • flood mapping
  • natural hazard specific studies
  • research or studies pertaining to non-structural mitigation and preparedness
  • early tsunami warning systems
  • community alert systems
  • community and youth engagement
  • emergency management forums or workshops

The Emergency Management Assistance Program allows for the purchase of low-value equipment for emergency preparedness and mitigation projects through the funding streams.

Examples of low-value equipment include:

  • firefighter protective gear
  • vegetation management equipment
  • fire suppression tools
  • EOC kits
  • ESS kits
  • radios
  • sump pumps
  • small generators

Funding for risk assessments is also available through the First Nations Adapt Program. Fire-related infrastructure projects may be eligible under the Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program.

Who can apply?

  • First Nations communities, Tribal councils, and Indigenous organizations can apply for proposed projects located on reserve or treaty settlement lands.

Deadline

Applications for both Emergency Management Assistance Program funding streams will be accepted until all of the available funding for these programs is allocated.

How to Apply

Fill out an application form and send to the local Indigenous Services Canada regional office Emergency Management contact. The contact for Manitoba is:

Manitoba

365 Hargrave St, Room 200
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3B 3A3
Canada

Email: [email protected]