This month, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) is recruiting for Camp Inspire for Indigenous Peoples, a summer 2023 camp to help bring Indigenous people into the firefighting world.

The inaugural career camp is "designed to promote firefighting as a viable and rewarding career for Indigenous Peoples of all backgrounds and genders," according to the City of Edmonton's website. The series of "Camp Inspire" firefighting camps were created for "historically marginalized communities," including Indigenous peoples and women and gender diverse individuals.

Chris Turner, an outreach and recruitment liaison for EFRS, said the Camp Inspire for Indigenous Peoples means a lot to him. With his Indigenous heritage, he said that he experienced racism both in his "personal life and in the fire department." He adds that Camp Inspire is really important because it gets "more faces at the table" and shows why "inclusivity is very important."

A poster for "Camp Inspire for Indigenous Peoples." Photo submitted by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.

Daisy VanRavenswaay, another outreach and recruitment liaison for EFRS, spoke about "all the fun stuff" going on at the camp June 2-4. Friday will be an orientation; Saturday will feature lots of hands-on activities including learning about the capabilities of the fire truck and a simulated car fire; and Sunday will be a wrap-up day - facilitators will explain about how to apply to the fire rescue team and discuss the daily life of a firefighter.

Registration for the camp closes on Feb. 26. To learn more, visit the website here.

​​Listen to the full CFWE Interview below with Daisy VanRavenswaay and Chris Turner: