National Indigenous Fire Gathering: Pathfinding Sessions 

9:30 - 10:30 Pathfinding (A)

Shaping the Future of the Thunderbird Collective 1 in Solstice Room

This session invites Gathering participants to help guide the future of the Thunderbird Collective: where we want to and how we get there together. The discussion will explore the strengths of the Collective, the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and the companions and allies that will help the Collective move forward toward our shared aims.  

Cultural Burning 1 in Spring Room

Pathfinding means looking back to our teachings and forward to our responsibilities. This session will explore pathways forward for cultural burning. Participants will share insights on what obstacles are in our path to cultural burning, what opportunities light the way, and who needs to walk with us. 

Wildfire Response 1 in Summer Room

We know fire is both a relative and a responsibility. In this session, we will work on mapping out paths forward for how we protect our lands and bring cultural fire back into balance. We will talk about where Indigenous Nations and wildland firefighting already walk together and what the opportunities and challenges are for deepening partnerships. 

Forest Restoration Post Fire in Autumn Room

After fire, the land teaches us about renewal. In this session, we will imagine pathways for Indigenous-led post-fire forest restoration — how we heal, how we lead, and how we bring the land back into balance. What ancestral fire knowledge, cultural protocols and ecological science guide restoration? What policy or funding barriers do we face? What Elders, communities, agencies, plants, animals, and other companions can guide us on our way? 

11:00 - 12:00 Pathfinding (B)

Shaping the Future of the Thunderbird Collective 2 in Solstice Room

This session invites Gathering participants to help guide the future of the Thunderbird Collective: where we want to and how we get there together. The discussion will explore the strengths of the Collective, the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and the companions and allies that will help the Collective move forward toward our shared aims.

Cultural Burning 2 in Spring Room

Pathfinding means looking back to our teachings and forward to our responsibilities. This session will explore pathways forward for cultural burning. Participants will share insights on what obstacles are in our path to cultural burning, what opportunities light the way, and who needs to walk with us. 

Wildfire Response 2 in Summer Room

We know fire is both a relative and a responsibility. In this session, we will work on mapping out paths forward for how we protect our lands and bring cultural fire back into balance. We will talk about where Indigenous Nations and wildland firefighting already walk together and what the opportunities and challenges are for deepening partnerships.

Smoke in Autumn Room

Smoke from out-of-control wildfires affects all of us. This session will map pathways for understanding and addressing the impacts of smoke on Indigenous Peoples, including on health, livelihoods, ceremonies, and community wellbeing. We will explore the challenges of limited data, lack of culturally relevant resources, and healthcare access. We will talk about how we can carry forward solutions–from traditional practices for clean air to Indigenous-led monitoring, to policy influence and education. 

1:00 - 2:00 Pathfinding (C)

Shaping the Future of the Thunderbird Collective’s Grant Program in Solstice Room

Thunderbird Collective’s grant program is about lifting up our Nations, communities, and firekeepers. In this session, we will discuss what this program should look like — the values it carries and the impacts we want it to have. Communities face too many barriers in accessing funding. This is an opportunity to help determine who the grant program should serve and what reporting should look like. 

Wildland Firefighter Training 1 in Spring Room

Fire is part of our lands, our stories, and our responsibilities. This session will map out pathways to increase Indigenous participation in wildland firefighter training — how to welcome more Indigenous peoples, support their learning, and strengthen cultural leadership in fire management. Together we will explore opportunities such as mentorship programs, culturally relevant curricula, youth engagement, and partnerships with agencies. 

Evacuations in Summer Room

Evacuations touch our communities in profound ways — physically, culturally, and emotionally. In this session, we will map pathways to strengthen evacuation planning, response, and support for Indigenous communities. Our focus will be on ensuring safety and resilience. How can we overcome distance from services and communication gaps? How can we promote culturally safe evacuation protocols and community-led training? 

Community & Cultural Recovery Post Fire in Autumn Room

Wildfire changes the land and our communities. This conversation will map pathways to support recovery — physically, culturally, and socially — so our communities can heal, thrive, and reclaim their connection to the land. We will discuss the challenges of lost infrastructure and trauma that follow wildfires. And we will talk about the cultural knowledge, community networks, and fire stewardship experience that strengthen our Nations’ recovery. 

2:30 - 3:30 Pathfinding (D)

What Do You Want to See on Thunderbird Collective’s Website in Solstice Room

Our website is the digital home for Thunderbird Collective. Working together, we will map out pathways for what the website should include, how it should engage visitors, and how it can reflect our values and vision. We want your guidance on the stories and messages the website conveys. We want to know what resources and tools you think it should offer visitors. And we want you to help ensure the website reflects the Thunderbird Collective’s mission and Indigenous values.

Fuels Treatments/FireSmart in Spring Room

Fire is both a tool and a risk. In this session, we will map pathways for Indigenous-led fuels treatment and FireSmart practices. We will talk about increasing access to training and inter-agency coordination. We will consider opportunities to expand Indigenous-led programs, youth engagement, and knowledge sharing. These pathways will help us to care for the land, protect communities, and strengthen cultural fire stewardship.

Wildland Firefighter Training 2 in Summer Room

Fire is part of our lands, our stories, and our responsibilities. This session will map out pathways to increase Indigenous participation in wildland firefighter training — how to welcome more Indigenous peoples, support their learning, and strengthen cultural leadership in fire management. Together we will explore opportunities such as mentorship programs, culturally relevant curricula, youth engagement, and partnerships with agencies. And we will discuss the role the Thunderbird Collective can play in supporting these opportunities. 

Looking after One Another: Physical, Mental & Spiritual Health in Autumn Room

Caring for one another is at the heart of our communities. That’s why we want to share  pathways for supporting each other that are guided by Indigenous knowledge, relationships, and cultural practices. We will talk about how we can draw on cultural teachings, ceremonies, and community networks to overcome trauma and systemic challenges. And we will identify how we can expand wellness programs rooted in culture, intergenerational mentorship, and gatherings that support and renew each other.