2025 Indigenous Public Safety Pre-Conference Training Registration

October 21–22, 2025 | Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre – Calgary, Alberta

The 2025 Indigenous Public Safety Conference begins with two day specialized pre-conference training courses designed to provide participants with immersive, skills-based learning experiences that directly support fire safety, emergency management, and community resilience in Indigenous communities.

These sessions are led by experienced professional instructors, and offer practical training that participants can take back and apply in their home communities.

Please note that this event is anticipated to sell out and pre-registration is recommended. Onsite registration may not be possible and interested parties are encouraged to join the waitlist.

Info: October 21-22 - Instructor: Paul Knudsgaard and Fred Morrison
Course Outline:
Participants will gain the knowledge and skills to deliver effective public fire education. Topics include fire myths vs. realities, human behavior during fire emergencies, and strategies for engaging diverse audiences. Students will learn how to select educational materials, work with the media, and evaluate program success. This course meets NFPA 1035 Chapter 4 (Fire & Life Safety Educator I) standards.

Requirements: Laptop required as students are required to design and deliver a power-point presentation and write an exam.

Course textbook: Fire and Life Safety Educator, 4th Edition (provided on-site)

Info: October 21-22 - Instructor: Leon Smallboy & Kevin Oman Course Outline:
This course is designed as a foundational entrance into the wildfire services. S-100 covers wildfire suppression basics including fire behavior, safety, equipment use, and initial attack strategies, combining classroom and field instruction. S-185 builds on this with a focus on fire behavior awareness, entrapment prevention, and safe decision-making during wildfires.
Requirements: Outdoor clothing and boots (if available)

Info: October 21-22 - Instructor: Steve Fraser and Brett Pituka Course Outline:
This course fosters psychological resilience among fire teams. Participants will learn to recognize and respond to psychological injuries and trauma, promoting a mentally healthy work culture.

NOTE: Class times are shortened to accommodate the emotional nature of the content.

Info: October 21-22 - Instructor: Arnold Lazare Course Outline:
Explore Indigenous cultural burning practices and their impact on modern fire management, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity. The course establishes a foundation in traditional fire knowledge, encouraging sharing of current practices and experiences.

Note: Come prepared to participate and share your experiences, challenges, goals.

Info: October 21-22 - Instructor: Blaine Wiggins  Course Outline: This course is based on NFPA 1021: Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, 2020 Edition. The course identifies the requirements necessary to perform administrative duties in the fire service. This course introduces the student to fire service management and supervision context by including topics as Organizational Structure, Communication Skills, Human Resource Management, Public Relations, Planning, Emergency Service Delivery, and Occupational Health & Safety.


Requirements: Student reference material will be provided, laptops & tablets are encouraged for group activities.

Info: October 21-22 - Instructor: TBD Course Outline:
I-100 introduces ICS structure and terminology for all responders. I-200 expands on this with leadership roles, planning, and operational coordination. Completion of I-100 is required before I-200. These courses support standardized emergency response across jurisdictions.

Requirements: One 3-hour online session post-conference required for I-200 completion

Host or Publisher National Indigenous Fire Safety Council Project