Why Indigenous stewards are bringing ‘good fire’ back to Canada’s forests

In the Nicola River valley, Leona Antoine, a Syilx and Nlaka'pamux woman, practices a tradition passed down from her grandfather. She calls it "good fire," a controlled burn that clears dead brush and allows sunlight to reach the ground, promoting healthy ecosystems and cultural revitalization. Antoine's grandfather practiced this method when Indigenous communities were prohibited from doing so.

Now, with decades of aggressive fire suppression and climate-fueled extreme weather, Canada's forests are susceptible to catastrophic wildfires. Antoine, a former forest firefighter, believes that reviving these practices can restore ecosystems and provide sustainable land stewardship for Indigenous people. Her efforts are part of a growing movement among Indigenous fire practitioners and researchers to reintroduce controlled burns outside peak wildfire season.

These low-intensity fires protect communities, reduce fuel for future fires, and foster healthier landscapes. The practice is gaining traction, with a recent Senate report recommending increased support for Indigenous-led fire management. Despite its potential benefits, prescribed burns are underutilized in Canada, with Canadian agencies setting only about 110 square kilometers annually compared to thousands in the United States.

Challenges remain, including liability concerns, lack of funding, and capacity issues within Indigenous fire management crews. However, proponents argue that investing in these traditional practices could yield significant environmental and cultural benefits, with Indigenous fire guardians possessing the knowledge and cultural ties to steward the land effectively.