The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to extend its heartfelt congratulations to the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation Firefighters, who earned first place at the 36th Annual National Firefighting Competition held October 25 in Calgary, Alberta.
“On behalf of the 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations represented by the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, I want to commend the Sandy Bay Firefighters for this remarkable achievement,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Firefighting requires courage, strength, and unity, and the Sandy Bay team has shown all these qualities in abundance. Their success is an inspiration to First Nations across the country and a reminder of the importance of First Nations leadership in emergency response and public safety.”
Hosted annually, the National Firefighting Competition is a highlight event that brings together First Nations firefighters from across the country to celebrate excellence, teamwork, and safety. The event serves as both a celebration and a vital training opportunity to strengthen the firefighting capacity of First Nations communities.
Teams from across Canada representing British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut, and the Atlantic region compete in a series of challenging events that test their endurance, precision, and expertise. Events include hose rolling, fast coupling drills, and burst-length replacements, among others. Throughout the competition, participants also take part in workshops and training sessions focused on new techniques, safety procedures, and leadership development.
This year, the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation Firefighters including Fire Chief Josh Roulette, Joey Prince, Noah Mousseau, Mark Martin Jr., Wade Malcolm, and Victor Beaulieu Jr. distinguished themselves with exceptional teamwork, speed, and technical skill, rising to the top of the national field. Their outstanding performance demonstrates the dedication and professionalism of First Nations firefighters who serve on the frontlines to keep their communities safe.
“Our firefighters have made Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation incredibly proud,” said Sandy Bay Chief Trevor Prince. “Their hard work, determination, and teamwork have carried them to the very top, showing that when we stand together as a Nation, we can achieve great things. This victory belongs not only to the firefighters, but to our entire community. They represent the strength, unity, and spirit of Sandy Bay—protecting our people, our homes, and our future.”
The National Firefighting Competition recognizes technical excellence and celebrates the strong spirit of community service among First Nations fire departments. These dedicated teams often respond to emergencies in remote and rural areas with limited resources, yet they continue to demonstrate professionalism and heart in their work.
SCO is encouraging everyone to celebrate this national victory and to recognize the hard work and commitment of First Nations firefighters everywhere.