B.C. wildfires hit Indigenous reserves harder, human rights report says
The report says reserves are four times more likely to face wildfires, and 36 of 37 heavily burned B.C. communities were Indigenous reserves.
- On Sept. 15, British Columbia's Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender released a report finding Indigenous reserves are four times more likely to experience wildfires than non-reserve communities in the province.
- Govender's report indicates that between 2000 and 2024, Indigenous reserves comprised all but one of the 37 B.C. communities where at least half of their total land area was burned by wildfires.
- She attributes this to infrastructure gaps and a "failure to recognize First Nations' jurisdiction," noting that in Lytton, B.C., which suffered a 2021 wildfire, more than 30 per cent of the population was Indigenous.
- Govender stated the impact of wildfires across B.C. is "Unequal" and must be recognized, urging decision-makers to ensure preparedness strategies do not leave the most vulnerable behind.
- The report highlights that wildfire threats also disproportionately impact children and those experiencing poverty, making these unequal effects more pronounced as threats increase.
11 Articles
11 Articles
B.C. wildfires hit First Nations reserves harder, human rights report says
A new report from British Columbia’s Human Rights Commissioner says First Nations reserves are four times more likely to face wildfires than non-reserve communities in the province. The report from the office of Kasari Govender looking into the impact of wildfires on vulnerable communities finds that First Nations, as well as children and those experiencing poverty are disproportionately impacted by the blazes. Govender’s report says that betwee…
B.C. wildfires hit Indigenous communities harder, human rights report says
A new report from British Columbia’s Human Rights Commissioner says Indigenous reserves are four times more likely to face wildfires than non-reserve communities in the province. The report from the office of Kasari Govender looking into the impact of wildfires on vulnerable communities finds Indigenous groups as well as children and those experiencing poverty are disproportionately impacted by the blazes. Govender’s report says that between 200…
Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. wildfires hit Indigenous reserves harder, human rights report says
VANCOUVER - A new report from British Columbia's Human Rights Commissioner says Indigenous reserves are four times more likely to face wildfires than non-reserve communities in the province.
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