CFD Indigenous Camp

May 2 – 4, 2025 CFD Indigenous Camp

The Calgary Fire Department is excited to offer a firefighting camp designed to promote firefighting as a viable and rewarding career for Indigenous Peoples.

A firefighting career is filled with rewards, challenges and excitement. This weekend firefighting camp will help all participants to understand and experience what it is like to be a firefighter at the Calgary Fire Department.

This camp is intended to:

  • Provide Indigenous Peoples from all backgrounds and genders an introduction to the fire service in a safe, inclusive way,
  • Provide simulated fire ground training,
  • Provide participants with skills and information they can take back to share within their community,
  • Provide an opportunity for self-growth and confidence building, and
  • Provide information on Calgary Fire Department application criteria, career planning, and admissions tips and tricks.

It is an opportunity to work alongside members of the Calgary Fire Department, ask questions and meet others interested in the firefighting profession.

Who can apply

  • This program is only open to individuals who are First Nations, Métis, Urban Indigenous or Inuit peoples of all genders.
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age before the start of camp.
  • Resident of Alberta.
  • Applicants must not currently be in the Calgary Fire Department’s hiring process.

Please note: We are not providing lodging.

Up to 32 participants will be selected for the camp which will be held on May 2 – 4, 2025. Depending on interest, additional spots may be added at the Calgary Fire Department’s discretion.

Camp location

Calgary Fire Training Academy & Multi-Agency Training Centre
5727 23 Ave. S.E.

It may be possible to arrange transportation for you, depending on the circumstances. To submit a transportation request, please email FireOutreach@calgary.ca and outline your needs.

Location


Please note: Camp will be held in the white building, as shown in the circle below.


We respectfully acknowledge the Calgary Fire Department’s Training Academy is located on the Traditional Territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, made up of the Siksika, Piikani, Amskaapipiikani, and Kainai First Nations; the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation. The city of Calgary is also homeland to the historic Northwest Métis and to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation Battle River Territory (Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6). 

Cost and application process

The application process is now open and will close on Friday, February 7, 2025.

There are no fees/costs to participate in the camp.

  1. To apply, fill out the expression of interest form. Please provide current contact information so that we can contact you. If you need support in completing this document, please contact FireOutreach@calgary.ca.
  2. Submit the form by midnight on February 7, 2025.
  3. Calgary Fire Department personnel will short-list applicants and reach out to coordinate a 15 minute conversation with each of the short-listed applicants.

The conversation will be informal and will involve a discussion about why you want to participate in the camp and what your current community involvement is. Some example questions are provided below.

  1. A firefighter has the skills and mindset to effectively contribute to a constantly evolving fire service. Why is it important to you to participate in this Camp? What characteristics/skills would make you a good participant?
  2. Tell us about a time when you had the opportunity to give back to your community.

Final candidates will be notified of their acceptance to the Camp by March 17, 2025. Candidates will be required to provide some additional information to the Fire Department including clothing size and dietary needs.

Camp times are posted below and participants must attend the entire camp:

  • Friday, May 2, 2025 for 30 minutes betwen 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 3, 2025: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 4, 2025: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Camp requirements and expectations

  • Successful participants will be required to bring their own closed toe shoes for the fitness components.
  • Participants must wear all Personal Protective Equipment provided by the Calgary Fire Department during the camp.
  • Participants must attend the entire camp.
  • Overnight accommodation and childcare are not provided.
  • The Calgary Fire Department will provide participants with water, snacks and meals. Please inform camp staff of any dietary requirements.
  • The Calgary Fire Department values diversity of ideas, experiences and approaches, and expects that camp participants will foster an environment of inclusion and belonging.

Please reach out if there are barriers to your participation. We may be able to assist with specific needs or requests. 

Health requirements

The CFD Indigenous Camp involves activities that can be physically demanding and stressful, and there is an element of risk or injury in the Camp curriculum. To minimize the health risk, participants are required to become informed of the nature of the work, and if needed, consult with a doctor to obtain an opinion on their ability to participate in the program.

The information below will help you to consider if you are healthy enough to take part in the program and its activities.

Curriculum

Participants will spend eight hours a day on Saturday and Sunday participating in a combination of classroom and practical skills.

Examples of tasks which participants may be required to complete, include:

  • Wearing Personal Protective Equipment weighing approximately 40 lbs
  • Wearing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) weighing approximately 30 lbs
  • Carrying equipment up and down stairs in a building and/or around training grounds
  • Advancing charged hose lines
  • Performing First Aid and CPR in simulated situations
  • Using fire extinguishers
  • Lifting or dragging victims or mannequins in a mock rescue
  • Swinging, prying and striking, using various tools
  • Vehicle extrication using hand powered, gas powered and heavy hydraulic tools
  • Physical exercise programs
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