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In Canada, Indigenous populations are disproportionately threatened by wildfire smoke and the associated adverse health impacts. This paper presents the results of a narrative review of 51 academic and related resources which explored protective action decision making during wildfire smoke events within Indigenous communities in Canada. A search of scholarly articles and other relevant sources yielded resources which were subject to thematic analysis and described in order to present a narrative review of current knowledge and gaps in research. A small and growing literature provides insights into protective actions taken by the general population during wildfire smoke events, but very little is known about protective actions taken by Indigenous peoples in Canada during wildfire smoke events. This lack of understanding hinders the capacity of decision makers to improve emergency management and minimize community health impacts of wildfire smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents results of a study which examined how a mandatory wildfire evacuation affected members of Whitefish Lake First Nation 459, in Alberta, Canada. A qualitative case study approach was used, and semi-structured interviews were completed with 45 band members to learn about their evacuation experiences during the wildfire evacuation in May 2011 and explore the factors that complicated the evacuation process and put further strain on the evacuees and First Nation. This evacuation caused considerable distress for evacuees and had negative effects for the First Nation. Factors that affected evacuation experiences included: (1) transportation issues compounded by cultural land-use activities, (2) fear of home loss compounded by existing housing shortages, (3) information and lack of media interest, (4) language, (5) poverty, (6) large multi-generational families, (7) health concerns, and (8) reimbursement of evacuation-related expenses to the community. An overarching factor that affected the entire evacuation was jurisdiction. Based on these findings, recommendations are provided for emergency managers on improving wildfire evacuation experiences for Indigenous peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Wildfire evacuations are used to protect lives during wildfires. Existing research has identified that some people stay behind during a mandatory wildfire evacuation and factors that influence evacuation actions, however little is known about how Indigenous peoples respond in the event of a wildfire. This paper presents results of a qualitative study with Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation in North-Western Ontario, Canada, that was evacuated due to the SLK 35 wildfire in 2011. Semi-structured interviews were completed to learn how people in Mishkeegogamang responded when they were told to evacuate and factors influencing their actions. Although some participants were willing to leave, some did not want to leave and some stayed behind due to low risk perceptions, and desires to protect dwelling contents, stay home, retain control, and fight the fire. Recommendations are provided for wildfire and emergency managers. Summary This study examines wildfire evacuation responses in a First Nation in northern Ontario, Canada that was evacuated due to wildfire in 2011. During the staged evacuation process, some participants left willingly, while others did not. Factors that influenced how people responded during the mandatory evacuation are discussed. [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]

This study employed a qualitative community-based research approach to explore factors that influenced Indigenous residents' wildfire evacuation experiences. Fifty-six interviews and two focus group discussions were completed with band members of Sandy Lake First Nation, including evacuees, those who stayed behind, and people who had a management role during the evacuation. Document review was also used as a complementary method. It was found that a combination of factors positively or negatively affected evacuees' experiences during their stay in the host communities. Inadequate accommodation, financial problems; a lack of activities; racism; and concerns over the condition of homes, property and pets negatively affected evacuees' experiences. Material and emotional support from local residents, perceptions of the evacuation as a free vacation and an opportunity to socialize with fellow community members, and leadership from the Chief positively affected evacuees' experiences. To provide appropriate hosting facilities and services provincial government and host communities should develop an appropriate plan for hosting hazard-displaced Indigenous evacuees by taking into account their unique socio-economic, cultural and demographic attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Knowledge has the potential to increase our understanding of many kinds of ecological phenomenon including floods. This article offers insights into the nature of spring flooding and its impacts in the southwestern James Bay region of northern Ontario, Canada from the perspectives of residents of Kashechewan First Nation. This article highlights the important contribution of Kashechewan First Nation's traditional knowledge to understanding and reducing disaster risks in this flood-prone region. Through a collaboration with Kashechewan First Nation, traditional knowledge was documented in 2016 during 17 in-depth interviews, participatory flood mapping workshops, on-site walks, and photography. The results of this study show that spring flooding has occurred seasonally over many generations in the region and has not increased significantly over time. However, the timing and extent of spring flooding has changed in recent years with warming temperatures in the region (i.e., earlier spring, snowmelt, and rapid runoff) and impacts are exacerbated by landscape and resource developments (e.g., inadequate infrastructure, substandard ring-shaped dyke wall, and downriver winter ice road) which have increased the frequency and scale of spring ice breakup and ice jams. These ecological changes have created the increased risk of flooding for the community of Kashechewan. The methodological approach which used participatory techniques may be useful for ongoing flood monitoring and disaster risk reduction activities in southwestern James Bay and elsewhere among the Canadian Indigenous communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]