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Journal of the International Association of Wildland Fire
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Goal setting and Indigenous fire management: a holistic perspective

William Nikolakis A B D , Emma Roberts A , Ngaio Hotte A B and Russell Myers Ross C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Gathering Voices Society, 1200 Waterfront Centre, 200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V7X 1T2, Canada.

B Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.

C Yunesit’in Government, 6678, Taseko Lake Road, Hanceville, BC V0L 1K0, Canada.

D Corresponding author. Email: William.Nikolakis@ubc.ca

International Journal of Wildland Fire 29(11) 974-982 https://doi.org/10.1071/WF20007
Submitted: 11 January 2020  Accepted: 16 July 2020   Published: 11 August 2020

Abstract

After generations of fire-suppression policy, Indigenous fire management (IFM) is being reactivated as one way to mitigate wildfire in fire-prone ecosystems. Research has documented that IFM also mitigates carbon emissions, improves livelihoods and enhances well-being among participants. This study documents the goals of the Yunesit’in and Xeni Gwet’in First Nations as they develop a fire management program in central British Columbia, Canada. Drawing on goal setting theory and interviews, a qualitative coding and cluster analysis identified three general goals from fire management: (1) strengthen cultural connection and well-being, (2) restore the health of the land and (3) respect traditional laws. Sub-goals included enhancing community member health and well-being, improving fire management practices to maintain ‘pyrodiversity’ and food security and re-empowering Indigenous laws and practices. This community-developed framework will guide program evaluation and brings insight to a theory of IFM.


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