Latest News & Updates
Pre-Conference Workshop | Feb 9 • 8:00–11:00 AM PT
Emergency Preparedness for First Nations Communities: A Collaborative Approach
Explore practical approaches to community emergency planning, hazard risk assessments, Emergency Support Services and collaborative preparedness strategies.
Wildfires, floods and extreme weather are testing communities’ ability to prepare, respond and recover. As risks grow and emergency management requirements evolve, stronger coordination, practical planning and lessons from recent disasters are essential.
Join CI’s DREMS 2027 to connect with Indigenous leaders, municipal and regional emergency managers, first responders and government representatives, as they explore B.C.’s Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA), wildfire and flood response, evacuation planning, interagency coordination and disaster recovery.
Through real-world case studies, expert discussions and an Innovation Tech Showcase, gain practical insights to strengthen emergency preparedness, improve response capacity and build more resilient communities.
Conference Chairpersons
Alesi Zito-LaRose
Emergency Program Manager and Emergency Program Coordinator (EPC)
Central Okanagan Emergency Management
Charlene Joe
Indigenous Engagement Manager
City of Merritt
Featured Speakers
Sean Coubrough
Regional Fire Chief Manager, Protective Services
Columbia Shuswap Regional District
Chantelle Linklater
Senior Policy Analyst, Emergency Management Branch
Indigenous Services Canada
Michael Nugent
Acting Senior Manager, Emergency Management Branch
Indigenous Services Canada
Wendi Omeasoo
Emergency Preparedness Supervisor
First Nations’ Emergency Support Services
Kari O’Rourke
Communications Officer
Central Okanagan Emergency Management
Brittany Seibert
Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Manager
City of Kelowna
View All Speakers
Key Topics
B.C.’s EDMA: Implementation & Emergency Preparedness
Navigate evolving requirements, risk assessments, emergency planning and business continuity.
Wildfire & Flood Response: Lessons from Recent Disasters
Learn from fire chiefs and regional leaders about operational challenges, mitigation and recovery.
Indigenous-Led Emergency Management & Partnerships
Strengthen Nation-to-government collaboration, community preparedness and emergency management capacity.
Interagency Coordination & Regional Emergency Response
Explore cross-jurisdictional cooperation, emergency operations centres and communications interoperability.
Evacuation Management, Re-Entry & Disaster Recovery
Address temporary access permits, Emergency Support Services and the needs of displaced communities.
Emergency Management Technology & Innovation
Explore AI wildfire modelling, GIS mapping, emergency alerting, digital twins and crisis communications.
Who Should Attend
- Emergency Management Directors
- Disaster Risk Reduction Officers
- Infrastructure and Utility Resilience Leads
- First Nations Chiefs & EM Directors
- Emergency, Health, and Environmental Risk Officers
- Lands and Resources Managers
- Insurance & Risk Managers
- Climate Consultants, Academia, & EM Tech Providers
Benefits of Attending
Gain Practical, Region-Specific Compliance Strategies
Understand what the EDMA requires and how to meet compliance standards to secure funding eligibility. Learn directly from provincial regulators, Indigenous leaders, and sector experts so you leave with a clear roadmap for action.
Access Actionable Tools and Real-World Case Studies
Receive templates, checklists, and peer-tested strategies you can immediately adapt for your community or organization. Explore success stories from municipalities, First Nations, and agencies that have navigated disaster preparedness and climate resilience effectively.
Build Cross-Sector and Indigenous Partnerships
Engage in meaningful dialogue with leaders from emergency management, health, infrastructure, utilities, insurance, and Indigenous governance. Forge connections that strengthen collaboration before disaster strikes.
Prepare for the 2026 Disaster Season with Confidence
Participate in interactive tabletop simulations and expert-led panels that translate policy into practical steps. Align your plans and budgets now to be ready for wildfire, flood, and extreme weather risks in the upcoming season.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors & Partners
Exhibitor
Media Partner
Sponsor Opportunities
With conferences in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, the C5 Group of Companies: American Conference Institute, the Canadian Institute, and C5 Group, provides a diverse portfolio of conferences, events and roundtables devoted to providing business intelligence to senior decision makers responding to challenges around the world.
For more information please contact:
Jason Kanagalingam
Business Development Manager
Phone: 647-649-2438
Email: [email protected]
