Black Lake Denesuline Nation Fire Crew Earns Fourth at Nationals

Oct 28, 2025

(Calgary, Alberta) — The Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management (SFNEM) congratulates the Black Lake Denesuline Nation Fire Crew for their outstanding achievement at the National First Nations Firefighter Competition, capturing an impressive fourth-place finish against the best teams from across Canada.

Hosted by the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC), the annual event brings together elite First Nations firefighting crews from coast to coast to showcase their skills, share best practices, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in fire service. The 2025 competition took place on October 25 in Calgary, Alberta, following a series of regional qualifiers held throughout the year.

Representing Northern Saskatchewan with pride, precision, and pure determination, the Black Lake team faced four grueling firefighting evolutions designed to simulate real-world emergencies. Each challenge tested strength, focus, and teamwork under pressure.

The Black Lake crew faced four demanding firefighting evolutions that tested their strength, precision, and teamwork under pressure. In the Fuel Removal event, each member carried five coiled fire hoses across the parking lot, showcasing balance, control, and sheer endurance.

The Water Pack challenge required sharp aim and focus as each firefighter used their hose to knock down four water bottles perched on a bucket, simulating the accuracy needed when targeting hotspots in a blaze.

The Thermal Energy evolution tested both power and control as each firefighter advanced a dry hose line across the course, maintaining grip, stance, and rhythm — mirroring the motion of deploying a line in a live fire scenario.

The competition wrapped up with the SCBA Wall Relay, where each firefighter — wearing full breathing gear — had to climb through a wall obstacle, demonstrating grit, coordination, and trust every step of the way.

Team Members:

• Ian Donard
• Darco Donard
• Aaron Bouvier
• Darwin Bouvier
• Eddie Boneleye
• Dorion Medal

“This team has shown what it means to be Northern Strong,” said Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte of the Prince Albert Grand Councl. “Their effort, discipline, and determination reflect the professionalism and commitment of First Nations firefighters across Saskatchewan. They have made Black Lake, Treaty 10 Territory, and all of Northern Saskatchewan proud.”

Vice Chief Joseph Tsannie was also in attendance to show the support of PAGC, recognizing the dedication and skill of the Black Lake firefighters who represented the region with excellence.

SFNEM’s Michelle Vandevord, who serves on the NIFSC Board of Directors, was also in attendance, supporting the crews and celebrating the continued growth of Indigenous-led fire services across Canada. A respected leader in First Nations emergency management, she continues to champion training, preparedness, and fire service excellence.

The event brought together Indigenous and non-Indigenous firefighting crews from across Canada, fostering collaboration, learning, and recognition of excellence in fire management and emergency response. This communication, including all attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential, personal and / or privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering this message to an intended recipient, please contact sender immediately so we may correct our records. Please then delete or destroy the original transmission and any subsequent replies.

NT5