Ki Shoohkishinaan Aansaamb (We Become Stronger Together)

An Emergency Event Check-In Pilot Program for Vulnerable Community Members

MNBC's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has received funding from BC’s Ministry of Health and The Social Planning and Research Council of B.C. to pilot the Ki Shoohkishinaan Aansaamb* (We Become Stronger Together) Program in the Interior Health region of British Columbia.

*Translation and credits: Ki Shoohkishinaan Aansaamb is a Southern Michif phrase meaning "we become stronger together." We would like to express gratitude to Elder Norman Fleury for the translation.

What is Ki Shoohkishinaan Aansaamb?

Ki Shoohkishinaan Aansaamb is a volunteer-based emergency event check-in program designed to help B.C.-based* Métis Elders, seniors, people with mobility challenges, and those living in isolation. Métis volunteers will be trained to provide support to these community members, before and during extreme weather events.

*Please note: The program is currently only open to Métis Citizens in the Interior Health Service Area (See Map). This initiative will first be tested in the Interior Health region before being rolled out province-wide in 2027.

The 2021 heat dome in British Columbia caused temperatures to reach over 40⁰C throughout the province and led to 619 heat-related deaths. Most of the deceased were older adults who lived alone, and 98% of deaths occurred indoors.
From the lessons that came out of the 2021 heat dome, we hope to increase preparedness knowledge and safety for Métis Citizens, and to tailor existing check-in programs to be Métis-specific, culturally safe, and appropriate.
The program is currently in the pilot stage; it will first be tested in the Interior Health region, with the aim of spreading province-wide starting in 2027.
You may want to join the program if:
1. You are an MNBC Citizen residing in the Interior Health region who is:
  an Elder, senior,
  living alone,
  and/or requiring mobility support during extreme heat or cold conditions
2. You are an MNBC Citizen residing in the Interior Health region who would like to receive training as a volunteer to support the check-in program.

Participate in a Listening Circle

As part of the Ki Shoohkishinaan Aansaamb's development, the Ministry of Environment is hosting two virtual listening circles:

A participant listening circle for Métis Elders, seniors, and/or community members who may experience mobility challenges or geographic isolation and are interested in learning more about receiving support through the program:
- Wednesday, July 8, 2026 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm PT
A volunteer listening circle for Métis Citizens who are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer:
- Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 7:00 - 8:00 pm PT

There is a $70 honourarium available for 8-10 attendees per listening circle.

Please express your interest in the appropriate listening by completing the Expression of Interest form below, in the "Sign up for the Program" section. The deadline to express your interest to participate in a listening circle is Monday, July 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT.

Please note: Completing the Expression of Interest does not guarantee a spot. Selected participants will be contacted directly to confirm attendance.

Sign up for the Program

If you meet the eligibility criteria and would like to participate in this program, please fill out the Expression of Interest (EOI) form:

Express Interest for Program Support or to Volunteer

Maarsii (thank you) for your interest. The program team will review submitted EOI forms and reach out to the email address provided.

Questions?

If you have further questions about this pilot program or require support filing out your Expression of Interest form, please reach out to program contact Derek Gagnon at dgagnon@mnbc.ca