On Wednesday, March 11th, members of our cultural mapping research team facilitated a focus group in collaboration with People in Motion and SPARC BC, collecting data for their Climate and Emergency Preparedness Project. We led a discussion with nine people experiencing chronic unsafe, unstable housing, including those with lived and living experience. The participants are currently being supported by Same Sky Collective.
This vulnerable population is often left out of traditional emergency planning. This initiative complements the FireSmart cultural mapping project and marks a significant partnership opportunity to extend the work of our research group.
Questions explored during the session focused around current and past experiences with climate emergencies like wildfire, flooding, and extreme heat and cold. Participants discussed their access to community support, what has or hasn’t worked before, and future emergency preparation. Topics ranged from accessing information during emergencies to evacuation routines and community aid during emergencies.
New Partnership Extends Reach of FireSmart Cultural Mapping Work
By Hannah O’Neil
