In the summer of 2018, as wildfires ravaged central British Columbia, Nadleh Whut’en First Nation faced a formidable challenge. In collaboration with Karyn Sharp of Little Frog Consulting, Resonant Strategic stepped forward to produce “Trial By Fire,” a report that sheds light on the issues encountered during this crisis and the path forward for improved emergency response.
Challenge
The wildfires presented a unique set of challenges for Nadleh Whut’en First Nation. Our goal was to conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the hurdles faced by First Nations during emergencies, paving the way for more effective collaboration with provincial and federal governments.
Our Solutions
- In-Depth Interviews: We engaged with dozens of community members, First Nations leadership, local and regional politicians, and BC Wildfire Services representatives to gather primary research insights.
- Constructive Recommendations: Our analysis of this research led to formulating a series of constructive recommendations aimed at improving cooperation between First Nations and government bodies during crises.
- Empowering Chief Larry Nooski: Our collaboration extended beyond the report. We leveraged our media contacts to strategically place an article in national media outlets, including the National Post, Globe and Mail, Vancouver Sun, and CBC, just before Chief Larry Nooski met with the provincial government. This ensured he had a powerful platform to advocate for the necessary changes during negotiations.
Results
- Awareness and Leverage: The media article provided Chief Larry Nooski with valuable leverage, elevating the urgency of addressing the challenges highlighted in “Trial By Fire” during his negotiations with the provincial government.
- Path to Improved Collaboration: The report and its recommendations laid the foundation for a more resilient emergency response system, fostering greater cooperation between First Nations and provincial and federal authorities.
At Resonant Strategic, we believe that every trial is an opportunity to build power. Our partnership with Nadleh Whut’en First Nation exemplifies our commitment to empowering communities to navigate crises and emerge stronger.