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Using a qualitative community-based research approach, this study employed in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion to examine Indigenous Elders' experiences, vulnerabilities and coping during the 2011 wildfire evacuation of Sandy Lake First Nation. Before evacuees left Sandy Lake, a lack of emergency hazard evacuation preparedness at the community level posed challenges to the Elder evacuees. Once evacuees arrived in a host community, Elders' experiences were negatively affected by health service at the host community, health issues in the absence of family support, accommodation-related challenges, and cultural factors related to language barriers and a lack of access to traditional food. Conversely, strong recognition and respect for Elders in First Nations and the social support they received from fellow community members were crucial to improving Elders' evacuation experiences. Future evacuation planning need to ideally consider the special needs of Indigenous Elders by taking into account preexisting vulnerabilities and social and cultural barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backcountry recreationists in Canada are exposed to avalanche risks. Snowmobilers now make up a large proportion of backcountry recreationalists. This article presents results of a qualitative study of backcountry snowmobilers in western Canada. The Theory of Planned Behavior guided our examination of snowmobilers’ avalanche related information seeking and use of recommended preparedness equipment. Participating snowmobilers sought information from a variety of information sources before and during a snowmobiling trip, and some participants had taken a safety training course. Information seeking before and during snowmobiling trips was influenced by attitudes toward information sources, and taking a safety course was influenced by motivations to perform the behavior, attitudes toward the courses, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms from snowmobiling club members. All participants reported carrying recommended safety equipment (transceiver, probe, and metal shovel) at all times when snowmobiling in the backcountry. Carrying the recommended preparedness tools was influenced by participants’ attitudes toward the tools and subjective norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents findings of a study that explored how culture influenced support for wildfire mitigation in Peavine Métis Settlement, an Aboriginal community located in Alberta, Canada. Community-based research was completed using interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. The results show that cultural factors appeared to influence wildfire mitigation preferences. Participants indicated the current state of the forest was not natural, and that mitigation activities would likely improve forest health. Participants supported Settlement Council-led wildfire mitigation activities at both the residential and community level due to a preference for communal action and collective problem solving. Participants also were found to distrust “outsiders” and preferred programs developed by members of their own community. The results of this study show that wildfire mitigation programs based on local culture can be well supported in an Aboriginal community. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Previous experience with a hazard has been identified as influencing risk perception and adoption of adjustments. However, this relationship is not clear and may depend on the differences in experiences that may occur within a community. This article describes residents' wildfire experiences and explores how these experiences may influence risk perceptions and implementation of mitigation measures 1 year after the 2003 Lost Creek and McLure wildfires in western Canada. Interviews were conducted with 40 residents with different wildfire experiences, including losing their home, being evacuated, self-evacuating early, staying in their house during a wildfire, and being away from the area. Results suggest that differences in hazard experiences can impact post-event risk perceptions and adoption of mitigation measures. Management implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]