A memorandum of understanding was signed between the PAGC and the Canadian Red Cross at the PAGC office today on the Chief Joseph Custer Reserve.
Encompassed in the agreement are the roles, responsibilities and expectations of the two organizations in the event of evacuation planning and response.
The memorandum is being touted as the first of its kind in the province.
“While we consider evacuation measures as last resorts, we are pleased that we will now be able to participate in and contribute to the planning process and work together toward our common goal to providing the best support and services to those affected by emergencies in our northern communities,” said PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte.
Officials with the Red Cross say that they are hopeful that the agreement will lead to further involvement of more members in northern communities taking an active role in emergency response.
“We just thought it was time to formalize our agreement in how we would work together better,” said Cindy Fuchs, vice president of the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan.
“Our hope is that we actually empower communities within (the) PAGC to actually have their own volunteers trained and maybe have their own plans on how to better serve their communities during emergency response or disaster(s).”
The two groups are championing the agreement as the first of its kind in the province.
The organizations have previously worked together in response to wildfires and flooding in the northern section of the province.
(PHOTO: PAGC Grand Chief, Brian Hardlotte and Red Cross of Saskatchewan Vice President, Cindy Fuchs. Photo courtesy of Travis Radke.)