Enhancing Housing Resilience Towards Wildfire in First Nations Communities in Canada

Given the urgent wildfire situation in Canada, communities located in the wildland-urban interface need to consider methods for enhancing community resilience against these events. First Nations communities are disproportionately affected by wildfires. They are unique compared to other communities because of their often rural or remote location, which can make access to labour and material resources more difficult. Furthermore, First Nations are deeply connected to the land, which includes cultural customs, stories, and ceremonies. The purpose of this study is to better understand the effect of wildfire on First Nations communities in Canada through a review of available literature and insights from First Nations rightsholders. The Canadian wildfire season of 2023 highlighted the need for proactive measures, including construction and design guidelines. Specific discussion will consider Prince Albert Grand Council, a Tribal Council that represents 12 First Nations in Central and Northern Saskatchewan, many of which have been affected by wildfire (including the effects of smoke) in the recent years. The study concludes by recommending interdisciplinary research for affordable, resilient building materials, direct community engagement, localized data collection, and ongoing discourse to bolster wildfire resilience in First Nation communities.