Forestry & Emergency Protective Services

Chief Joseph Custer Indian Reserve # 201
2300 9th Ave West
Cottage 12
Prince Albert, SK S6V 5R8
Box 580
Telephone: 306.765.5373  Fax: 306.763.2012

The mandate of the Forestry Program is to locate and identify Forestry and Resource sector opportunities for member First Nations. 

Provide technical assistance to member First Nations upon request. This includes compilation of funding proposals and fiscal reports. Facilitate the transfer of Forestry Policy – attendance at Provincial Forestry Advisory Committee meetings, participation in Land Use Planning and discussions on the Forest Fire Values Protection, Forest Disease and Insect Policy.

The 2015 unprecedented fire season affected all northern communities, through evacuations and kept First Nations Fire crews actively involved in fire suppression and/or fuel management projects through the end of the fiscal year. Through this renewed funding agreement and the ability of our organization’s response to wildfires, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada committed funding to complete community “Firesmart” Fuel Management Projects, through a partnership proposal with Saskatchewan Environment – Wildfire Management Branch. It is evident that fuel mitigation is a priority, and once community fuel management plans are endorsed by the community leadership, the fuel management work was coordinated and carried out in 19 First Nation communities. This provided much needed employment for 270 individuals for an average of 12 weeks to provide some protection to communities through the physical removal of fuel immediately adjacent to the respective community. Approximately 190 hectares were treated adjacent to the participating communities. This funding also provided for Local Firesmart Representative Workshops for all Saskatchewan First Nations to participate in the Firesmart Canada Community Recognition Program.

The PAGC Forestry Program provides administrative and technical assistance for the Saskatchewan First Nations Forest Fire Protection Services Agreement. This was a 4-year agreement from 2013 – 2016, negotiated with Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment and INAC employing 35 – 5 man crews within PAGC totaling 175 personnel. The most important aspect of this agreement is in respect to the training requirements that are essential to further develop individuals within the current agreement terms. Through Short term funding agreements with Wildfire Management Branch, PAGC Forestry delivered 28 training courses and certified 230 individuals in Wildland Fire Suppression Training Programs.

The Forestry Program Director reported directly to the CEO – Al Ducharme.  The Program Director provides staff direction, financial administration and acts as a liaison with all communities for delivery of the Saskatchewan First Nation Forest Fire Protection Services Agreement and Saskatchewan First Nation Emergency Management (SFNEM). Identified areas of responsibility are, but not limited to, the following:

Raise the profile of Forestry within PAGC, and provide mentorship to First Nation youth in pursuing forestry careers through education, training and skill development. This is currently accomplished through representation on Forestry Committees and attending Meetings and Conferences on behalf of member First Nations.

The Prince Albert Grand Council along with other organizations including individual First Nations form a partnership called the Prince Albert Model Forest. The Vision Statement of the Model Forest is “We envision the Prince Albert Model Forest as a landscape demonstrating the spirit of Sustainable Forest Management through the power of working together”: Ma Maw Wechehetowin- working together/ helping each other. The Forestry Program Manager is the current Vice –President of the Prince Albert Model Forest. The PAMF is a non – profit partnership of forest users who are committed to enhancing forest sustainability through research, education and the equitable sharing of forest resources.