Calgary,
08
February
2024
|
10:05
America/Denver

The Calgary Fire Department launches inaugural Indigenous Firefighting Camp

The Calgary Fire Department (CFD), in partnership with The City of Calgary’s Indigenous Relations Office, is launching its inaugural Indigenous Firefighting Camp, aimed at providing a unique opportunity for Indigenous individuals interested in pursuing a rewarding career in firefighting. The camp, scheduled for April 26 - 28, 2024, is designed to be an immersive experience that will introduce participants to the skills and knowledge required in the firefighting profession.

The Indigenous Firefighting Camp will provide hands-on training, valuable insights into the firefighting profession, and an opportunity for participants to learn new skills and engage with experienced firefighters from the Calgary Fire Department.

Camp details:

  • Date: April 26 - 28, 2024
  • Location: Calgary Fire Training Academy & Multi-Agency Training Centre, 5727 23 Avenue S.E.
  • Application Deadline: February 23, 2024
  • Website: calgary.ca/IndigenousCamp

The camp is open to individuals of all genders who are First Nations, Métis, Urban Indigenous and Inuit who live on Treat 7 territory. Applicants must be 18 years of age before the start of camp.

The application process is now open, and interested individuals are encouraged to visit calgary.ca/IndigenousCamp for detailed information and to submit their applications.

The Indigenous Firefighting Camp will cover various aspects of firefighting, including simulated fire ground training, emergency response procedures, teamwork, and physical fitness. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with CFD professionals, ask questions, and gain firsthand experience in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Assistant Deputy Chief Tom Jukes, of the Calgary Fire Department, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, "The Calgary Fire Department is excited to provide this unique opportunity for Indigenous individuals interested in a firefighting career. We believe that diversity strengthens our team, and this training camp is a significant step toward fostering inclusivity within the fire service."

“The CFD is continually tailoring our programs to be more gender and culturally inclusive,” said Fire Chief Steve Dongworth. “One of our top priorities at the CFD is to focus on enhancing diversity and inclusion, and fostering a work environment where employees, and the Calgarians we serve, feel valued and respected. This camp is an important step forward in achieving this.”

Assistant Deputy Chief Tom Jukes, with the CFD, added, “The CFD already offers programs, such as our Cadet Program, Camp Courage Calgary and our Bucket Brigade camp, to show people what it’s like to be a firefighter. We’ve had a lot of success with those and look forward to bringing the best of those camps into our Indigenous Firefighting Camp.”

For more information about the Indigenous Firefighting Camp, please visit calgary.ca/IndigenousCamp.

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