Indigenous Peoples

Since our formation as a company in 2012, we’ve been very fortunate to have had many opportunities to collaborate with Indigenous peoples emergency preparedness across Canada. We’ve worked closely with both small groups with limited personnel and resources, to larger groups with dedicated Emergency Management Coordinators to curate the most appropriate, community driven and cost-effective emergency preparedness solutions.  

These partnerships have been an incredible learning opportunity for us and our staff, as we have come to understand the unique challenges that these communities face in their efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. While the risk profile and emergency preparedness needs of Indigenous communities are vastly different from group to group, some of the most common obstacles shared with us include: 

• Challenges in developing emergency management plans from the ground up. 

• Differing access to grants for funding emergency preparedness initiatives. 

• Delayed support from emergency services and governing entities in all areas of emergency management – especially regarding prevention and mitigation activities. 

• Similarly, emergency services not meeting the needs of First Nations communities during disruptions, most prevalently in regions with no service agreements in place. 

• A disproportionate increase in evacuations of First Nations communities, most often attributed to relative remoteness, location in fire- and flood-prone areas, aging infrastructure, and challenging socio-economic situations. 

By listening first and building relationships, we help create preparedness plans and supply strategies that are practical, effective, and community driven. Some of the solutions that we’ve been able to contribute to include: 

• Though a series of collaborative projects undertaken with several Provincial bands, we’ve supplied thousands of Family Emergency Kits to Indigenous households.  

• Alongside these kit projects, we’ve co-hosted Emergency Preparedness Information Sessions, including presentations created by our team, customized to best reflect the unique hazards, challenges, and needs of each community. 

• We’ve equipped remote communities with limited access to emergency medical services with comprehensive Trauma First Aid Kits. 

• In areas particularly at risk of food chain disruptions, we’ve assisted in curating Emergency Food and Water Stockpiles, ensuring that responders and residents have access to hot, nutritious meals and adequate hydration in the wake of disasters. 

• Before and during community evacuations, we’ve coordinated the delivery of Cots, Bedding, and Personal Supplies Kits to reception centres and group lodging facilities – even after the highways have closed. 

• We’ve supplied schools located in remote areas with our Classroom Kits – to keep students safe and comfortable until their parents, caregivers or outside help arrives. 

Our work with First Nations communities across Canada has been one of deep collaboration, mutual respect, and continuous learning. By listening to the unique needs and challenges of each community, we’ve been able to develop tailored emergency preparedness solutions that honour Indigenous knowledge, address logistical and geographic realities, and promote long-term resilience. While we recognize there is still much work to do, we remain committed to strengthening these partnerships and walking alongside First Nations communities and indigenous people on the path to safer, more prepared futures, from coast to coast. Connect with the team at Total Prepare to discuss Indigenous peoples emergency preparedness solutions in your area, anywhere in Canada!