'Mission impossible stuff': Firefighting camp aims to attract more Indigenous people to EFRS
A new initiative by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is trying to increase Indigenous recruitment.
The first Miyowatisiwin Camp Inspire took place over the weekend, inviting participants to explore a career in firefighting.
The program is based on Camp Inspire, which is aimed at attracting women and gender-diverse people to EFRS.
"It was to help build application and bring awareness to the fact of inequity within the fire department," said Chris Turner, EFRS recruitment and outreach liaison. "This one is different now three years in, it's for the Indigenous population."
The camp was open to 20 participants of any gender who self-identify as Indigenous.
They spent three days training at the Poundmaker Firefighter Training Centre in West Edmonton, learning about gear, techniques and safety.
Sunday was the final day and participants put everything they learned together for a simulated fire attack and search and rescue.
Grayson Lawrence most enjoyed exercises where the team broke down doors and drywall to gain access.
"It was like some mission impossible stuff," Lawrence said.
Hoping to join EFRS someday, he said it was good to see what goes into being a firefighter.
"There's so much that goes on in this job, whether that's the mental, the physical, [the] commitment," he added. "And it's not just about doing the job right, it's about caring about what you do at the same time."
Turner said the camp is designed to show Indigenous people that they can have a career in EFRS.
"It actually is an inclusive service that everyone can do, [we're] trying to break down those barriers of, 'Maybe that's not for me. Maybe I couldn't do that.'
"Well, here's an introduction of all the things that we [do], and maybe they can see that it is possible."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.