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Indigenous Firefighter Boot Camp Ignites Passion Among Youth

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More than a dozen Indigenous high school students gathered in Strathcona, Vancouver, on March 23, 2024, to participate in an engaging firefighter boot camp aimed at inspiring future careers in firefighting. The event, hosted by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services alongside the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society and ACCESS, provided hands-on training and a unique opportunity for Indigenous youth to explore this vital profession.

Among the participants was Kyle Peters, a Grade 11 student from the Lilʼwat First Nation. As he gripped the fire hose, he felt the powerful rush of water surge through it. “Keeping control of the hose is tough work,” said Peters. “The water pressure pushes you back. We worked hard just to hold ourselves down so we didn’t go flying back.” The intensity of the experience was palpable, as it required teamwork and determination to manage the hose effectively.

The boot camp, which follows a successful event held in April 2023, included training stations focused on essential firefighting skills such as hose handling, forcible entry, hydrant tagging, and search-and-rescue operations inside a smoke-filled environment. The fire truck used during the camp was operated by Fire Hall 21, which serves the Musqueam First Nation and features traditional Indigenous artwork.

Matthias Ballantyne, a firefighter with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services since 2014, played a key role in organizing the event. On his day off, he collaborated with the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society to inspire the next generation of firefighters. “We are showing them a career path that can happen for them,” Ballantyne stated. Growing up in Northern Manitoba as a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation, he had little exposure to firefighting as a viable career option. “I usually saw people in my community go to school to become a doctor, lawyer, or a social worker,” he explained.

Ballantyne’s journey into firefighting began at a job fair, where he discovered the profession. He emphasized the importance of increasing First Nations representation within firefighting services. “Working as a firefighter has been more than just a job; it’s been a way to serve my community,” he said.

For young participants like Peters, the boot camp was an eye-opening experience. “The job is a lot more fun than I imagined,” he shared, reflecting on the excitement of trying out different firefighting techniques. The day not only provided practical skills but also instilled a sense of belonging and possibility.

Organizers are already planning additional sessions to continue this initiative, aiming to reach even more Indigenous youth in the Lower Mainland. “Students at this boot camp are too young to apply to the service, but they will likely take away home safety tips and the knowledge that if they are interested, their Nation can help steer them in the direction of firefighting as a career path,” Ballantyne noted.

As the participants completed their training, it was clear that this event was more than just a day of drills. It represented a significant opportunity for Indigenous youth to envision a future in firefighting, fostering both community engagement and personal growth.

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