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Calgary Fire launches inaugural Indigenous fire fighting camp

Feb. 9, 2024, Calgary – The Calgary Fire Department (CFD), in partnership with the city’s Indigenous Relations Office, is launching its inaugural Indigenous Firefighting Camp.

It aims to offer an opportunity for Indigenous individuals interested in pursuing a career in fire fighting.

The camp, scheduled for April 26 – 28, is designed to be an immersive experience that will provide hands-on training and will cover various aspects including simulated fire ground training, emergency response procedures, teamwork, and physical fitness.

Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with CFD professionals, ask questions, and gain firsthand experience in a supportive and encouraging environment.

“The CFD is continually tailoring our programs to be more gender and culturally inclusive,” said Fire Chief Steve Dongworth in a city press release. “One of our top priorities 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.”

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 deadline to apply is Feb. 23.

“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,” Assistant Deputy Chief Tom Jukes said.

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