Beyond the Flames: A First Nation Perspective on Wildfire Preparedness and Recovery

Joseph Tootoosis is a proud member of Flying Dust First Nation, and the Lands & Economic Strategy Advisor for Kihew Consulting & Research. He is a First Nations lands and economic development strategy specialist with over 10 years of experience working with and alongside Indigenous political, government, non-profit, and corporate organizations. Joseph has a passion for using his personal, communication, negotiation, presentation, and project management skills to lead teams toward organizational goals and objectives; he also specializes in development of strategies, plans, governance structures, and business models for First Nations and their corporate arms. Joseph has experience in the Additions-to-Reserve (ATR) process in the Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) Framework, and in British Columbia on unceded First Nations lands.

Joseph is well trained and experienced in the ‘Harvard Project’ on Indigenous Governance and Development school of Nation-Rebuilding, and is always looking for comparative examples to help First Nations build their own unique governance models. He also builds bridges by utilizing his network within the academic and professional world to continuously stay up to date on new research and practical examples of successful Indigenous governance and economic development models.

Magnolia is the Director of Strategy and Partnerships at the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), where she leads national initiatives to support Indigenous economic development and entrepreneurship. She holds a Master’s in Indigenous Nationhood from the University of Victoria and a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Policy and Administration from Carleton University. Originally from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and a proud member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Magnolia brings a deep understanding of Indigenous governance, self-determination, and community-driven policy. Her work is grounded in advocacy, research, and the development of innovative programs that respond to the unique needs of Indigenous communities across Canada.

Nadia Green is a Saulteaux First Nations Registered Nurse from Berens River First Nation, Manitoba, dedicated to advancing Indigenous health and well-being through research, education, and policy change. Currently a Doctoral student in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta, her research centers on First Nations digital health care experiences. Nadia’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Nursing from the University of Toronto, reflecting her commitment to advanced nursing practice. Nadia currently teaches nursing at the college level with previous teaching experience at the university level. She recently fulfilled her role as Co-Chair of the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing’s (CASN) Advisory Committee for revising the Nursing Informatics Entry-to-Practice Competencies for Registered Nurses, and previously chaired CASN’s Digital Health Interest Group. She was recognized with the inaugural Canadian Nursing Informatics Association Award for Diversifying & Strengthening Nursing Informatics and the Digital Health Canada Steven Huesing Scholarship. She was also a recipient of the Canadian Nurses Foundation, Frances Moran Award and AbSPORU Graduate Studentship in Patient-Oriented Research.
Nadia aspires to educate future nurses and influence digital health care policies that improve access and care for Indigenous People in Canada, especially those living in rural and remote northern communities.

Taylor is a proud Dene and Dunne Zaa woman from Fort Nelson First Nation with paternal roots in Prophet River First Nation, both signatories to Treaty 8 in Northeastern British Columbia. Raised in her traditional territories, she grew up immersed in her culture and language, guided by the teachings of her grandparents and the strength of her ancestors.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Indigenous Land-Based Education at the University of Saskatchewan.

Taylor is a dedicated community leader and youth advocate. She served as the Female Youth Representative for the BC Assembly of First Nations and Co-Chair of the AFN National Youth Council, where she represented First Nations youth at national and international levels, including United Nations forums. In 2022, she was part of the delegation that met with Pope Francis to discuss the intergenerational impacts of Indian Residential Schools.

Currently, Taylor serves as an elected Councillor for her Nation and works full-time as the Community Liaison for Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal. In these roles, Taylor champions climate action, youth leadership, food sovereignty, and meaningful community engagement.

Terri Cardinal (Nayawatatic) is a nehiyaw iskwew (Cree Woman) from onihcikiskwapiwinihk (Saddle Lake Cree Nation), Treaty 6 territory. She is a proud mother of two and walks in the roles of wife, sister, daughter, and friend, grounding her professional work in relational accountability and community responsibility.

Terri is an alumna of the Master of Indigenous Social Work program at University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills. She also holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina, a Social Work Diploma from Blue Quills, a Leadership Certificate from the Coady Institute, and a Level 3 Early Childhood Development certification from the Government of Alberta.

She serves in the Faculty of Social Work as Practicum Coordinator and Course Instructor, where she is committed to strengthening Indigenous-led education, ethical supervision, and land-based and relational approaches to social work practice. Terri is also the Chairperson of the Wahkohtowin Society Board of Directors, working to advance community wellbeing grounded in kinship, responsibility, and collective care.

An Esquao Award recipient for her work with children and community, Terri carries a deep love and passion for supporting children, families, and Nations through culturally grounded, strengths-based, and community-driven approaches.