JEL currently has several projects operating throughout BC

We are currently (2025) working with the following BC communities:

• Huuayaht First Nation
• Songhees First Nation
• Pacheedaht First Nation
• Tsartlip First Nation
• Pauquachin First Nation
• Stautw First Nation
• Haisla First Nation

Huuayaht FN

Community emergency prep plan, Hazard Risk Vulnerability Assessment, training and table top exercise.

Collaborating with the Huuayaht First Nation on Community Emergency Preparedness

Working alongside the Huuayaht First Nation to enhance community safety and resilience has been a deeply rewarding experience. Our collaboration focused on several key initiatives designed to strengthen the Nation’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. These efforts included the development of a comprehensive Community Emergency Preparedness Plan, a Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA), Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) training, and emergency preparedness exercises.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Plan was developed through close consultation with Huuayaht leadership, staff, and community members to ensure that it reflects local values, priorities, and specific risks. This plan lays out the framework for coordinated action in the face of various hazards, from natural disasters to human-caused events.

In tandem, we conducted a detailed Hazard Risk Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA), identifying and prioritizing hazards most likely to impact the community, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, and severe storms. This assessment provided critical insights, enabling the Nation to allocate resources effectively and focus preparedness efforts where they are needed most.

EOC training sessions equipped Huuayaht personnel with the knowledge and skills to manage emergency response operations. These trainings covered key aspects of incident management, communication protocols, and decision-making under pressure, ensuring that staff are ready to take swift, organized action when emergencies arise.

To reinforce learning and test the plan’s effectiveness, we facilitated a series of emergency preparedness exercises. These practical drills simulated real-world scenarios, allowing participants to practice their roles, identify gaps, and refine procedures in a controlled environment.

Programs like this are essential for fostering community resilience and self-reliance. By building local capacity, the Huuayaht First Nation is not only better prepared to respond to emergencies but is also strengthening its resilience and sustainability. This proactive approach ensures that the community is equipped to protect its people, lands, and resources-both now and for future generations. Our shared commitment to preparedness has laid a strong foundation for ongoing resilience and a safer, more secure future.

Songhees FN

Collaborating with the Songhees First Nation on Community Emergency Preparedness and Regional Planning

Working in partnership with the Songhees First Nation to strengthen emergency preparedness and regional cooperation has been a meaningful and impactful journey. This collaboration was rooted not only in the goals of community safety and resilience but also in a broader commitment to reconciliation, relationship-building, and inclusive planning.

Our efforts centered on the co-development of a Community Emergency Preparedness Plan, a Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA), targeted Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) training, and tabletop emergency preparedness exercises. In addition, we worked together to enhance regional coordination and communications, ensuring that the Songhees Nation’s voice and priorities are embedded in broader emergency and recovery strategies.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Plan was developed in close dialogue with Songhees leadership, emergency response staff, and community members. This process emphasized respect for local knowledge, governance structures, and cultural values. The resulting plan provides a clear, culturally informed framework for responding to a range of emergencies, including natural hazards and human-made risks.
A comprehensive Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment helped identify and prioritize potential threats to the community—such as earthquakes, marine spills, wildfires, and severe weather. These insights guide strategic decision-making and resource allocation, enabling Songhees to proactively address the most pressing vulnerabilities.

Our collaboration also involved EOC training sessions, which built local capacity to coordinate and lead emergency responses. Training topics included operational coordination, emergency communications, and community engagement—preparing staff to act confidently and cohesively in crisis situations.
To validate planning efforts, tabletop exercises were conducted, simulating emergency scenarios and allowing team members to apply their knowledge in a supportive, hands-on environment. These exercises helped uncover operational gaps and refine response procedures.

An essential part of this initiative was integrating Songhees First Nation into regional emergency planning frameworks. We worked to ensure clear lines of communication and cooperation between the Nation and neighboring municipalities, provincial agencies, and emergency services. This regional collaboration promotes shared situational awareness, mutual aid, and a united response to large-scale events.
Above all, this work supported the ongoing journey of reconciliation by honoring the autonomy, knowledge, and lived experiences of the Songhees people. By centering Indigenous leadership in emergency planning, we contribute to a future where First Nations are not only prepared but are also leading regional resilience strategies.

Together, these efforts have laid the foundation for a safer, stronger, and more connected Songhees First Nation—today and for generations to come.

Pacheedaht FN

Partnering with the Pacheedaht First Nation on Emergency Preparedness and Regional Resilience

Collaborating with the Pacheedaht First Nation to enhance emergency preparedness has been an enriching and vital experience.

Located on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, the Pacheedaht community faces unique geographical and environmental challenges. Our partnership focused on building community resilience through emergency planning, regional cooperation, capacity building, and a shared commitment to reconciliation.

Together, we developed a Community Emergency Preparedness Plan, conducted a Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA), delivered Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) training, and carried out emergency preparedness tabletop exercises. Each initiative was guided by the Nation’s values, traditional knowledge, and priorities, ensuring culturally appropriate and locally relevant outcomes.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Plan was crafted through active engagement with Pacheedaht leadership, community members, and emergency stakeholders. The plan outlines response protocols and roles during emergencies, emphasizing a community-driven approach that respects the Nation’s governance structures and cultural practices.

A detailed Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment identified key risks such as earthquakes, tsunamis, forest fires, and storm surges—threats that are especially critical given the community’s coastal location and proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. These findings help direct resources to where they are most needed and support informed planning for both immediate response and long-term recovery.

EOC training sessions equipped Pacheedaht staff with the tools and confidence to manage emergencies effectively. From incident coordination to communication strategies, these sessions focused on practical skills and situational awareness to ensure readiness during real-world crises.

To reinforce planning efforts, we facilitated tabletop emergency exercises simulating plausible scenarios. These exercises provided hands-on experience, encouraged teamwork, and helped identify areas for improvement in protocols and coordination.

An important component of this work involved strengthening regional collaboration. We supported the integration of the Pacheedaht First Nation into wider regional emergency planning networks to ensure seamless cooperation with surrounding jurisdictions. Enhancing interagency communication and promoting shared learning fostered greater collective resilience.

At the heart of our partnership was a commitment to reconciliation—respecting the sovereignty of the Pacheedaht Nation and ensuring its leadership is central to decisions affecting its land and people. Emergency preparedness becomes a pathway for healing, empowerment, and equitable collaboration.

Through these collective efforts, the Pacheedaht First Nation is better equipped to face emergencies with strength, confidence, and coordination. This work not only enhances immediate safety but also contributes to a legacy of resilience and self-determination for future generations.

Tsartlip FN

Strengthening Emergency Preparedness with the Tsartlip First Nation

Working in partnership with the Tsartlip First Nation has been a powerful and collaborative effort centered on enhancing emergency readiness, building community resilience, and advancing reconciliation. Located on the Saanich Peninsula, Tsartlip faces a unique combination of urban interface risks, environmental vulnerabilities, and the ongoing impacts of colonial systems on emergency service access and equity.

Our joint initiatives included developing a Community Emergency Preparedness Plan, conducting a Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA), delivering Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) training, and facilitating emergency preparedness tabletop exercises. Additionally, we focused on improving regional collaboration, strengthening communication systems, and ensuring Tsartlip’s perspectives are respected and integrated into wider planning frameworks.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Plan was shaped through meaningful engagement with Tsartlip leadership, administration, and community members. It reflects the Nation’s values, cultural protocols, and distinct needs while outlining a practical roadmap for coordinated emergency response and recovery efforts.
The HRVA identified priority hazards such as wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, and hazardous materials incidents, which are increasingly relevant in a rapidly changing climate and growing urban setting. These assessments allowed the Nation to make evidence-based decisions about risk mitigation, resource deployment, and infrastructure planning.

EOC training supported Tsartlip personnel in building their capacity to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies. The training emphasized Indigenous-led decision-making, communication protocols, and real-time coordination strategies. By increasing local knowledge and preparedness, we helped lay the groundwork for stronger self-reliance and leadership in crisis situations.

To reinforce learning and test procedures, tabletop exercises were conducted to simulate real emergency scenarios. These exercises provided a safe, hands-on environment to practice response actions, clarify roles, and identify areas for improvement.

Another key aspect of our work was advancing regional cooperation. We supported Tsartlip’s full participation in interagency emergency planning and response efforts, ensuring that municipal, regional, and provincial partners recognize and respect the Nation’s authority and interests. Clear communication pathways and mutual aid agreements were explored to enhance collective response capabilities.

At the core of this collaboration was a strong commitment to reconciliation. Emergency preparedness provided an opportunity to decolonize systems, amplify Indigenous leadership, and build trust between Tsartlip and non-Indigenous agencies. The planning process was guided by principles of respect, reciprocity, and shared responsibility.

Through this work, the Tsartlip First Nation has strengthened its readiness to face emergencies while reinforcing sovereignty, cultural integrity, and community well-being. These efforts will continue to serve as a foundation for lasting resilience and a safer, more connected future for all generations.

Pauquachin FN

Building Resilience with the Pauquachin First Nation through Emergency Preparedness and Regional Collaboration

Working in partnership with the Pauquachin First Nation has been a significant and respectful journey toward enhancing emergency preparedness and supporting long-term community resilience. Located along the Saanich Inlet, Pauquachin faces a distinct set of environmental and logistical challenges, which informed a collaborative and culturally grounded approach to emergency planning.

Our efforts together focused on the development of a Community Emergency Preparedness Plan, a comprehensive Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA), targeted Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) training, and tabletop emergency exercises. This work was carried out in parallel with strengthening regional partnerships, enhancing emergency communication systems, and advancing the broader goals of reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Plan was created through open dialogue and consultation with Pauquachin leadership, Elders, emergency staff, and community members. This living document outlines structured, community-specific procedures for responding to a wide range of emergencies and integrates local knowledge and traditions into all aspects of planning and response.

Our Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment identified key threats, including earthquakes, wildfires, marine spills, and storm-related flooding. By assessing these risks through both scientific and community lenses, we were able to develop targeted strategies that reflect Pauquachin’s unique geography and values.
EOC training sessions provided staff and emergency responders with the skills needed to lead, coordinate, and communicate effectively in high-pressure situations. The training emphasized cultural safety, community-led decision-making, and the practical tools required for rapid, organized emergency response.

To complement the training, we conducted tabletop exercises based on realistic emergency scenarios. These sessions allowed participants to test their knowledge, clarify responsibilities, and refine procedures in a collaborative, hands-on setting that emphasized teamwork and continuous improvement.

A major priority of this partnership was supporting Pauquachin’s role in regional emergency planning. We worked to ensure that the Nation is fully integrated into local and provincial emergency networks, with clear communication protocols and mutual respect among all jurisdictions. This regional cooperation enhances not only preparedness but also the Nation’s ability to access support when needed.

Throughout the process, we remained grounded in a commitment to reconciliation, recognizing the historical and ongoing barriers that Indigenous communities face in emergency management systems. Our approach centered on restoring autonomy, building trust, and ensuring that Pauquachin’s sovereignty, culture, and voice are central to all emergency-related planning and response efforts.

Together, these initiatives have empowered the Pauquachin First Nation with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to protect its people, lands, and resources. This proactive, community-led approach will continue to strengthen resilience and support a safe, secure future for generations to come.

Stautw FN

Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Building with the Tsawout (Stautw) First Nation

Partnering with the Tsawout First Nation has been an honour and a shared journey rooted in respect, collaboration, and a commitment to safety and self-determination. Situated on the eastern shores of the Saanich Peninsula, Tsawout faces unique coastal hazards and environmental challenges that require tailored and culturally grounded emergency preparedness solutions.

Our collaboration focused on the development of a Community Emergency Preparedness Plan, a detailed Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA), Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) training, and tabletop preparedness exercises. These efforts were designed not only to improve readiness but also to strengthen regional cooperation, improve communication pathways, and support the Nation’s broader goals of sovereignty and reconciliation.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Plan was co-created with Tsawout leadership, staff, Elders, and community members. It outlines emergency roles, response procedures, and recovery strategies, with a strong emphasis on community priorities, traditional knowledge, and culturally appropriate practices.

The HRVA process helped identify the highest-risk hazards facing the Tsawout community, including earthquakes, tsunamis, coastal flooding, and wildfires. By combining scientific data with local lived experience, the assessment provided critical insight into how best to prepare for and mitigate these risks.

EOC training was delivered to Tsawout staff and emergency coordinators, focusing on real-time decision-making, coordination of resources, communication protocols, and culturally safe response strategies. This training has empowered community members to lead emergency operations with clarity and confidence.
To complement the planning and training, we conducted tabletop emergency exercises simulating real-world scenarios. These sessions allowed participants to practice their roles, test coordination systems, and identify gaps in a safe, constructive environment that encourages learning and improvement.

A core part of our collaboration was supporting regional emergency planning integration. By working to strengthen partnerships with municipal, regional, and provincial emergency management bodies, we helped ensure Tsawout’s voice is included in broader response efforts. Enhancing these communication pathways ensures better coordination and respect for Nation-led priorities during emergencies.

Above all, this work was deeply rooted in reconciliation—honouring the self-determination, governance, and knowledge systems of the Tsawout First Nation. Emergency planning served as a bridge to strengthen relationships, decolonize systems, and reinforce the Nation’s right to lead its own preparedness and response efforts.

Through this shared work, the Tsawout First Nation has strengthened its emergency readiness and reinforced its long-standing commitment to protecting its people, lands, and future. This partnership represents not just a step toward safety, but a foundation for lasting resilience, empowerment, and collaboration.

Haisla FN

Enhancing Emergency Preparedness and Regional Resilience with the Haisla First Nation

Working alongside the Haisla First Nation to build emergency preparedness and community resilience has been a powerful collaboration rooted in mutual respect, cultural understanding, and a shared vision for a safer future. Situated near Kitimat, at the convergence of forested landscapes, waterways, and industrial development, the Haisla community faces complex and evolving risks—making proactive planning essential.

Our joint efforts focused on developing a Community Emergency Preparedness Plan, conducting a robust Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA), delivering Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) training, and running tabletop emergency response exercises. Equally important was strengthening regional emergency planning partnerships, improving interagency communication, and supporting the Nation’s continued leadership in reconciliation and Indigenous-led emergency management.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Plan was created in close collaboration with Haisla leadership, emergency staff, and community members. It reflects local priorities and cultural values, providing a clear framework for how the Nation will respond to a wide range of emergencies—whether natural hazards, industrial incidents, or climate-related events.

The HRVA provided a comprehensive analysis of the hazards facing the Haisla community, including earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, industrial accidents, and hazardous material spills. The process integrated both technical data and community knowledge to ensure the resulting risk profile was accurate and meaningful. These insights now guide decision-making and resource planning.

EOC training sessions built the capacity of Haisla staff and emergency teams to coordinate response activities effectively and confidently. Training covered emergency roles, communication strategies, coordination with regional partners, and incident management systems—empowering the Nation to lead in times of crisis.
To reinforce the training and validate the plan, we facilitated tabletop exercises based on realistic scenarios, including marine spills and wildfire events. These exercises allowed participants to practice procedures, test communication protocols, and strengthen internal coordination in a low-pressure environment focused on learning and continuous improvement.

Crucially, we supported the Haisla First Nation in enhancing regional emergency planning integration. By ensuring clear communication lines and mutual respect between the Nation, local governments, industry stakeholders, and provincial agencies, we helped build a collaborative approach to emergency response that centers Haisla leadership.

At the heart of this work was a commitment to reconciliation—acknowledging and addressing the historic exclusion of Indigenous Nations from emergency decision-making processes. This partnership placed Haisla sovereignty, cultural knowledge, and rights at the forefront, recognizing that true resilience is rooted in self-determination and respect.

Together, these initiatives have equipped the Haisla First Nation with the tools and partnerships needed to respond to emergencies, protect community members, and safeguard their lands and waters. This work lays the foundation for a safer, stronger, and more empowered future—one led by the Haisla people, in alignment with their values and vision.