The Municipality of Sioux Lookout, Ont, and the Independent First Nations Alliance have signed an agreement to share resources related to fire prevention and protection.Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance, pictured at the opening of new treatment beds in 2023, says collaborating with the Independent First Nations Alliance could reduce costs on efforts like training.
"So when we come together and collaborate, it can make things like training much more affordable when we do it together and we share resources."Jeremy Funk, fire chief and manager of emergency services for the municipality, said the agreement formalizes initiatives that were already underway to provide training opportunities and share resources between the two emergency services.
Nicholas Rhone, director of IFNA's integrated emergency services and regional rescue fire chief, agreed the memorandum of understanding formalizes what is already a good relationship between IFNA's tribal council, regional fire rescue and Sioux Lookout — specifically its fire department.Still in crisis, Cat Lake First Nation awaits temporary replacement for nursing station razed by fire
However, he added, IFNA is still looking to get more dedicated funding for its fire personnel and longer-term training opportunities from the federal government.