Co-Creating a Culturally Grounded Crisis Response Framework for Resilient Indigenous Communities

The Resilient Indigenous Communities: A Strategic Crisis Response Framework project, led by Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Principal Investigator Eileen Zaba and Co-Principal Investigator Lindsey Boechler, was developed in response to a request from the James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) following the tragic attacks in September 2022. In the wake of the crisis, community leaders sought guidance on how to respond effectively while coping with their own loss. Partnering with the La Loche community—also deeply affected by a tragic school shooting—the project aimed to co-create a culturally grounded mass casualty incident response framework.

A formal agreement was established between the three JSCN Chiefs and the La Loche community. Through focus groups, stakeholder meetings, and forty-two interviews conducted under ethics approval, researchers gathered insights from community members, leaders, and partners. Findings revealed urgent and long-term challenges related to crisis response, including insufficient culturally relevant supports, communication barriers, and the need for strengthened leadership strategies. Key concerns centered on mental health, addiction, and emotional safety—particularly among residential school survivors.

The project has advanced to drafting a strategic plan collaboratively shaped by community members to ensure cultural relevance and accuracy. JSCN and La Loche participants have jointly reviewed the findings, with a final community presentation scheduled for October 29, 2025. Following revisions, the framework will be shared with leadership through an interagency meeting, co-published in a peer-reviewed journal, and presented nationally alongside community representatives.

Contacts: Eileen Zaba eileen.zaba@saskpolytech.ca 

                  Lindsey Boechler lindsey.boechler@saskpolytech.ca