Saskatchewan, Meadow Lake Tribal Council clarify emergency management roles

Earlier this week, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) signed a letter of understanding (LOU) with Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) to clarify the emergency management roles and responsibilities of both parties.

“It gives us an opportunity to build capacity and eventually take control of managing emergencies as they arise,” Cree Vice-Chief Richard Derocher said. “I am extremely thrilled that the Meadow Lake Tribal Council is acting on the best interests of our member nations by entering into a letter of understanding with the SPSA.”

The LOU, which will remain in effect until 2027, provides opportunities for increased coordination before, during and after an emergency. Having an activation plan and timely communication between emergency partners is critical to public safety and enhancing effective emergency management.

“We are excited for this new step forward,” SPSA president and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said. “This agreement is an opportunity to increase collaboration and build on a relationship that benefits all communities serviced by MLTC.”

“Today, on this escalating need for planning and preventing emergencies, this LOU will assist to protect community members, their property and our ancestral lands,” Derocher said.

This LOU entails support services for MLTC and the communities that they serve.