Bridging Scrap Tire Collection and Community Connection: TSBC and the First Nations Recycling Initiative
The powerful partnership between the First Nations Recycling Initiative (FNRI) and Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) is reshaping the environmental landscape in 20 First Nations communities across British Columbia.
At the core of this collaboration is the mission to inform and engage First Nation communities about existing stewardship programs. FNRI, through direct collaboration with these communities, provides information and support for local collection events and recycling programs. In 2023, the initiative hosted 5 community engagement events, orchestrated 20 community clean-up events, and reached out to 8 Regional Districts.
Photo: A representative map showcasing locations and communities where tires were collected, with corresponding quantities listed below each location.
TSBC was a founding member of the FNRI program in 2017 and has been a solid and enthusiastic partner in the program for tire collection and recycling in First Nation communities.
This initiative has already resulted in the removal of over 5,000 tires, both on and off-rim. Among them, 2,800 tires have already been successfully collected, with anticipation building for the retrieval of an additional 3,000 in 2024.
The efforts have extended to the communities of Wuikinuxv Nation, T’Sou-ke First Nation, Tsartlip, Lil’wat Nation, Heiltsuk, Kwakiutl, Seton Lake, Homalco, Ehatteshaht, Ahousaht, Malahat First Nation, Penticton, Seabird Island, Tla’amin, Gitlaxt’aamix Village Government (New Aiyansh), Skowkale, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, and Tl’esqox for cleanup events.
Darlene Morgan, Chief Administrative Officer of Gitlaxt’aamix Village Government (New Aiyansh), expressed heartfelt gratitude for the partnership, stating, “The Nisga Nations appreciates the partnership with the First Nations Recycling Initiative to organize the removal of 15 years of tires and appliances from our landfill.”
The FNRI soared to impressive accomplishments in 2023 by bridging First Nations communities with stewardship initiatives to address materials management challenges while promoting education and awareness about existing collection programs. The achievements and efforts witnessed in this collaboration leave us eagerly anticipating the impactful progress and transformative initiatives that lie ahead in 2024.
