Facing the Flames: New and Old Ways of Co-Existing With Fire

The emergence of catastrophic mega-fires over the past five years demands transformative action in BC. Unprecedented fires are burning huge tracts of culturally and ecologically important territory, threatening lives and livelihoods, blanketing the province in smoke, exacerbating systemic inequities, and releasing staggering amounts of emissions into the atmosphere. It’s a frequency, scale, and severity we’ve never seen before, fuelled by growing climate impacts, altered forest landscapes, and the forced removal of Indigenous Stewardship and good fire from these lands. Catastrophic mega-fires that we’re unable to suppress and control are our emerging reality-- but they don’t have to be.

Join us in exploring big ideas for the future of wildfire in our province. Speakers Joe Gilchrist of Interior Salish Firekeepers Society, and Paul Hessburg, Senior Research Ecologist with US Forest Services, will illuminate the rapidly changing landscape of wildfire and ignite dialogue on pathways forward.

Schedule

• 4:30 pm Doors (light snacks provided)
• 5 - 7 pm Event (hybrid: online and in-person)
• 7 - 8 pm Reception (refreshments provided)

Intentionality

We look forward to exploring this topic with genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn. We expect all those who join us to come with humility, a commitment to listening and (un)learning, and a solution-seeking attitude. As a participant in this dialogue, you are invited to be an active voice in the conversation and to share your perspective. All are welcome in this space.

Reception

Following the dialogue, we will host a reception with light refreshments and a chance to mingle with the speakers.

A variety of food will be available that endeavour to cater to various dietary and cultural food preferences.

Featured Speakers

Opening Remarks

Co-Keynote

Moderators

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that Simon Fraser University, where the staff at the Centre live and work, takes place on the Unceded, Traditional, Ancestral Territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ, and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm First Nations.

Accessibility

In-Person at the Wosk Building

Washrooms are located on the lower level, second, third, and fourth floors of the building. The venue has a gender-neutral washroom, available on the second floor in the east hallway. All floors within the building, including the venue and washrooms, are wheelchair accessible and serviced by elevators.

Online

The dialogue will be streamed live using the Zoom platform and YouTube. A link will be sent in advance of the event, accessible through browser or phone. To engage fully you will need:

• A laptop, computer or smartphone
• A stable internet connection
• Speakers or headphones

ASL Interpretation

ASL interpreters will be present at both the in-person at the event and on-screen for online attendees.

Active Listener

We recognize that this topic can be challenging and we want to prioritize self-care for our participants. Active listeners will be available both in-person and online at this event.

How can we make this event accessible for you? If you have any questions, concerns, or comments regarding this event’s accessibility, feel free to connect with us at dialogue@sfu.ca.

Directions for the Wosk Building

The SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue is located at 580 W. Hastings St (enter by Seymour Street at Joe Segal Way), and is a brief walk from Waterfront station and numerous bus stops. Bike racks are available outside the Hastings entrance of SFU Harbour Centre (located across the street). Nearby parking is available at 500 & 400 W. Cordova St.

Code of Conduct and Inclusion Expectation

This is an inclusive event. By submitting your registration, you are agreeing to engage with organizers and other guests at the event in a respectful manner. Offensive or discriminatory behaviour and/or language toward event organizers and other guests will not be tolerated. Such behaviour may result in the removal or banning of the individual(s) from future events.

COVID-19 Protocols

In accordance with the announcement by the Provincial Health Officer, face masks are now optional for indoor public spaces. At SFU, we encourage mask use on our campuses and particularly in spaces where we are in close proximity.

Please be mindful that event attendees will have different comfort levels. Please be understanding and compassionate of people’s individual circumstances and individual choices.

Photography & Videography Notice

This event is being photographed and video recorded by Simon Fraser University for archival, educational, and related promotional purposes. By attending or participating in this event, you are giving your consent to be photographed and/or video recorded.

If you do not wish to be photographed and/or video recorded, please take a seat in the designated area of AP Hall, or turn off your video on Zoom prior to 5:00 PM. The full SFU privacy notice is available at: www.sfu.ca/contact/terms-conditions/privacy.html.