There is now a safety alert app for Saskatchewan First Nations communities. A private technology company that the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations already has a partnership with through the Talking Stick app will now also provide emergency alerts on the app, through a section called First Alerts.

TryCycle Data’s Talking Stick app allows First Nations people in the province to connect confidentially with a trained peer advocate and it is completely anonymous. A news release from the FSIN describes the First Alerts portion of the app as information and alert messages which can be tailored to the situation and community itself, by stating the type of emergency, times, location and any pertinent information. The system’s three categories are public safety, missing persons and natural disasters.

James Smith Cree Nation is the first to sign on. Chief Wally Burns, says, ” During the massacre in September 2022, we saw how important time-sensitive emergency communication was when it comes to saving lives, and unfortunately, our community was devastated when 11 people from James Smith and Weldon were murdered.” He believes the new alert app will be a game changer, helping community leaders warn band members of danger and criminal activity.

Link to FirstAlerts animation: https://youtu.be/MM34PzyAlEk?si=6ee006GSvYm-RKkb