For Immediate Release
April 30, 2018
COUNCILLOR STATEMENT: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK
Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Treaty 6 – The following statement and information was released today by Kevin Seesequasis, Councillor in charge of Emergency Management regarding Emergency Preparedness Week for the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation:
“2018 marks the first year the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation has observed Emergency Preparedness Week. Our activities begin Monday, May 7 and conclude Friday, May 11, 2018.
We have planned a week of activities and events to create awareness of Emergency Management responsibilities and functions within the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation. Emergency Preparedness Week is a collaborative event undertaken by our Emergency Management department and supported by several partners including the RCMP, STARS, Rosthern Ambulance Care, Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management, and the Canadian Red Cross.
As we come to Emergency Preparedness Week, I am encouraging all members of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation to participate in our activities (see list below), and take three simple steps to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies:
- Know the risks
- Make a plan
- Get an emergency kit
Here is a list of our Emergency Preparedness Week activities and initiatives:
Monday, May 7:
- Tornado Warning Siren Test – in conjunction with the BOCN Fire Department, we will conduct a Tornado Warning Siren Test on Monday, May 7th beginning promptly at 2pm. Listen for the Siren, tell us where you live, and call 306-467-4523 to let us know if you heard it (or didn’t).
- Introduction to Emergency Management – with our Canadian Red Cross partners, we will inform our community on how to be prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster, play some interactive games, have a delicious meal, and win some great prizes! Join us beginning at 6pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall.
Tuesday, May 8:
- “Kiyas”: A talk with Elders on Emergencies ‘back in the day’ – a chat with Elders to discuss how our ancestors dealt with emergency situations, the role of families and kinship, and the idea of perseverance and community. Join us beginning at 6:30pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall.
Wednesday, May 9:
- Be Prepared: Tornado Teachings, Fire Safety, Extreme Weather, and Climate Change – information on how to be prepared for a tornado, how to prevent fires in your home, how to prepare and respond to extreme weather, and how Climate Change is impacting our community. Join us beginning at 6:30pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall.
Thursday, May 10:
- No activities planned/scheduled.
Friday, May 11:
- CBMES Classroom Talks – our partners will engage in age-appropriate discussions with our babies on “Stop, Drop, and Roll”, “Quick, what’s the number to 9-1-1”, “Cops are your friends”, and so much more about the role First Responders play in emergency situations and how kids can help! Kindergarten to Grade 4, 9:30am.
- “Emergency Preparedness and You(th) Expo” – an expo full of interactive games, opportunities, and lessons from First Responders. Grades 5 – 9, CRCEC Gym, 1:30pm.
Building awareness of the risks to our community is a great first step toward preventing disaster. It is my sincere hope that all members of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation will participate in our Emergency Preparedness Week activities and work with us for the safety of all our community members. By taking an active role, you are helping to build a community that will be prepared not if, but when disaster strikes.
With your help, we can all know the risks, and develop a plan to prevent disasters in our community.
PS – let us know you’re coming! Click here to RSVP on Facebook.”
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For more information, please contact:
Chief & Council Communications
306-467-4523 | communications@beardysband.com
