Understanding the capabilities of communities through non-traditional discovery

Reconciliation with indigenous peoples across the globe has provided us the opportunity to understand the importance of respecting and appreciating each other’s diverse backgrounds (Brindle, 2018). By exploring the application of methodologies widely accepted through health care and social work, Calian has successfully built emergency programs for remote indigenous communities within Canada.

We engaged with communities using a capability perspective and applied a trauma informed approach to our process and communications to ensure that traditional barriers to engagement and understanding were actively removed. We learned that many communities have the skills required for successful emergency management, however have to pull those capabilities from less traditional methods than communities who have the luxury of full emergency management, public works, and public safety teams.

We believe there is immense value in using this approach broadly, to ensure we appreciate and acknowledge the unique capabilities of all Canadians and their communities. The application of this methodology provides emergency managers the opportunity to understand the capabilities of communities and individuals so that we can build their capacity for resilience within a context that is appropriate for that unique community. And while the benefits are quickly visible in remote communities, this approach can help reduce barriers to communication, and increase stakeholder engagement and empowerment in all communities.

Brindle, David. (2018, July 21). City of Powell River and Tla’amin Nation reaffirm relations. Powell River Peak. Retrieved from https://www.prpeak.com/news/city-of-powell-river-and-tla-amin-nation-reaffirm-relations-1.23375395