Build Back Better, Together with Tribal Chief Tyrone McNeil,
Join us for this sharing circle to learn about Indigenous-led Build Back Better, Together initiative led by Emergency Planning Secretariat (EPS). The Initiative was formed following the devastating atmospheric flood events in 2021. EPS is a non-political organization that supports 31 communities in British Columbia, from Yale to Semiahmoo to Squamish, in improving emergency planning and preparedness at the local and regional levels. This includes advocating for increased capacity for Mainland Coast Salish communities, the full realization of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), United Nations Declaration Act (federal) and the full representation of community values in all regional emergency planning, management, response and decision-making activities.
Through the Disaster Resilience Regional Action Plan, Hílekw Sq’eq’o, EPS seeks to create a Mainland Coast Salish emergency plan for all hazards and climate change based on the Sendai Framework and rooted in UNDRIP and jurisprudence such as Tselhqot’in SCC that encompasses the values, world view and priorities of Mainland Coast Salish communities.
Our vision is to have all of the 31 Mainland Coast Salish First Nations, from Yale to Semiahmoo to Squamish, resilient to existing and future disasters, meaning though disasters may continue to occur, communities experience less impacts from them. This is done with in-depth risk assessments, leading to resilient community planning and regional investment, coupled with effective and self-sustaining emergency planning and response programs. All of these practices must be connected from household to region, where households are aware of their risks and plans, communities can support each other in planning, preparedness and response and can come together as a region for larger disasters. Communities will also be participating at all levels of regional emergency planning and response, from provincial land use planning to participating in the regional emergency response. To learn more visit: https://www.emergencyplanningsecretariat.com/
About the presenter:
Tribal Chief Tyrone McNeil is Stó:lō and a member of Seabird Island Band. He has extensive experience working to advance First Nations languages and education, collaborating with First Nations across the country, and developing agreements and partnerships with government. Tribal Chief McNeil manages a First Nation construction company that employs up to 70 Indigenous men and women, with expertise in Operational Health and Safety, safety audits, human resources management, operations and budgeting in civil construction and pipeline industries.
Tribal Chief McNeil works closely with the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC) for the Trans Mountain Expansion and Existing Pipeline, including as a member of several leadership and sub-committees, driving changes to improve practices of regulators to better align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to advance reconciliation. He holds numerous leadership positions including, President & Tribal Chief of Stó:lō Tribal Council, President of First Nation Education Steering Committee, AFN Chiefs Committee on Education rep for BC, Chair of Emergency Planning Secretariat, Special Advisor to the First Nation Leadership Council on Emergency Management, Chair of Seabird College, President of the Sqewqel (Seabird) Development Corporation, Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Committee to the Canada Energy Regulator and Standing Chair of Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
We wish you a safe 2023 and look forward to seeing you soon!
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