IFNA, Municipality of Sioux Lookout partner on Ice Rescue training exercise

Tim Brody - Editor

Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA) and the Municipality of Sioux Lookout recently partnered in Ice Rescue training.
Seven learners from IFNA and two from Sioux Lookout Fire Services took part in the training, along with additional personnel in the roles of instructors, safety officers and support.
The course ran from February 20 – 23 with the classroom component taking place at the Fire Hall and the practical skills and evolutions taking place at locations on both Abram and Pelican Lakes.
Jeremy Funk, Municipal Emergency Services Manager, shared, “The training went extremely well. This was a part of a partnership between IFNA and the Municipality of Sioux Lookout Fire Services. We hosted this as a “pilot project” to examine in real time how the two organizations can work together to support each other. In this instance IFNA provided a top tier instructor, support staff, and all materials for the course while Sioux Fire provided equipment and the venue.”
“The Ice Rescue training was another step in building capacity for IFNA communities as well as a partnership we are establishing with Sioux Lookout Fire. Our Integrated Emergency Services staff as well as members of Lac Seul and Pikangikum First Nations received the training, which will provide stronger emergency support in these situations to member communities. We look forward to continued collaboration and joint training with the municipality,” stated Nicholas Rhone, Regional Fire Rescue Chief and Integrated Emergency Services Director, IFNA.
“The goal is to establish sustainable Indigenous-led emergency management and all-hazards response, which will ensure that First Nation communities are prepared and able to respond to emergencies. Training and partnerships are key steps in achieving this goal. These are both part of a larger overall plan to address gaps in IFNA member communities’ emergency services,” noted Mathew Hoppe, Chief Executive Officer, IFNA.
Funk said this was Ice Rescue training to the Technician Level for the majority of the group. “Technician is the level that allows a fire fighter to lead a team and execute more advanced technical rescues, like ice rescues, while ensuring safe and efficient operations. One of our Sioux Fire members was further certified to the Instructor Level, Strengthening the in-house abilities of the Municipal Fire Department,” he said.
Funk informed that Ice Rescue is training that the Sioux Lookout Fire Services completes annually. “This particular course was in addition to our annual training. Sioux Fire has several fire fighters that have expressed an interest in advancing their training to this level, and we will facilitate that in the coming months.”
“Sioux Lookout Fire Services will look at any opportunity to advance the training of the fire fighters. I feel this course did exactly that. As a pilot project I think this was a resounding success and I look forward to working with IFNA and growing both organizations in the future,” Funk concluded.