Banner image. A photo shows a crowd of people dancing and celebrating on a patio at UFV; bright rainbow colours and Pride flags decorate in the space. Superimposed over the image are CHASI's signature orange triangles, all pointing to the right implying forward movement and progress.

Building Foundational Knowledge for Wildfire Resilience in Indigenous Communities: Reflections from the 2025–2026 Project Year

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Stock photo of the aftermath of a wildfire from the air. On the left side of the photo all trees are burnt, and there is a stark line where the burnt trees stop and live, green trees begin.

This article is part of a series of posts led by CHASI Research Associate Len Garis, who has been a long-time partner of CHASI through his work with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council. His guest blog posts explore a wide range of topics related to firefighting and firefighters in Canada. You can read all of … Read more

Social Sciences and the Art of Changemaking Summer Camp

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Group photo of the students and leaders of the CHASI summer camp, posing in matching summer camp t-shirts in front of CHASI's "Together Empowered" mural.

Earlier this month, the 2026 Community Health and Social Innovation (CHASI) Hub’s Social Sciences and the Art of Changemaking Summer Camp provided an opportunity for high school students to learn more about the social sciences, research, and to explore community issues that interest them. Students engaged in research activities and met with community leaders to … Read more

Building Better Fire Safety Campaigns: Lessons from Youth-Focused Programs in Canada and the United States — and the Rise of Torch the Turtle

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An illustration of a turtle mascot wearing a firefighter's helmet that reads "Torch"

This article is part of a series of posts led by CHASI Research Associate Len Garis, who has been a long-time partner of CHASI through his work with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council. His guest blog posts explore a wide range of topics related to firefighting and firefighters in Canada. You can read all of … Read more

UFV gathers in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan for 5th year

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Photo of around 30 people standing in a line, holding up signs in support of people in Afghanistan.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to stand in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan. The visible support is meaningful and impactful as we mark five years since the Taliban took over the country. Thank you especially to our panellists: Sahar Maqsoodi Kimmy Coseteng, from Right to Learn Afghanistan Dr. Mark Kersten Thank you … Read more

August 2026 CHASI Champion: Lynette Haladin

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Photo of Lynette Haladin and Chelsea Klassen, holding up a certificate that reads "CHASI Champion" and smiling for a photo. Text overlaying the photo reads: "CHASI Champion: Lynette Haladin Clerk, Print & Creative Services."

A CHASI champion is someone who has been pivotal to CHASI’s success, and embodies changemaking, community, collaboration, and student support. We will be highlighting a new champion each month! Lynette Haladin is our CHASI Champion for August 2026! Lynette is a clerk at Print and Creative Services, and is always willing to jump in at … Read more

Faculty associates publish on perimenopausal and postpartum physical activity

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Graphic that reads: "Faculty associate publications - Dr. Iris Lesser and Dr. Amanda Wurz." with pictures of both women. Below the photos are the details of the publications, as listed in this post.

Two CHASI’s faculty associates have recently published articles related to physical activity for perimenopausal and postpartum women. Both researchers from the School of Kinesiology, Dr. Iris Lesser and Dr. Amanda Wurz collaborated with Breanne Hobbs and Karen Natho on to publish “An exploration of physical activity guidance using individualized heart rate variability in perimenopausal women” in … Read more

What Works Best: Proven Fire Prevention Strategies for Indigenous Communities

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Stock photo of fire trucks parked in a fire station

This article is part of a series of posts led by CHASI Research Associate Len Garis, who has been a long-time partner of CHASI through his work with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council. His guest blog posts explore a wide range of topics related to firefighting and firefighters in Canada. You can read all of … Read more

August 13: 4th annual gathering in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan

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Art shows a colourful image of Afghan women sharing a library space and books. Two women in burqas lean their heads together, reading the same book, with a heart between them. Another woman reads in the centre of the image, and next to her, a woman in a hijab teaches a girl how to write. The art is warm and has a sense of solidarity, with lanterns hanging and a bookshelf in the background.

August 15 marks five years since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan and began dismantling human rights in the country. Please join us for a panel on Thursday, August 13 to learn more about the situation and for a walkout immediately afterwards — a tradition CHASI has organized since 2023, in solidarity with the people … Read more

Indigenous Youth and Fire Safety: A Community Story About Risk, Resilience, and the Need for Support

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Stock photo of a firefighter extending a hand to a young child.

This article is part of a series of posts led by CHASI Research Associate Len Garis, who has been a long-time partner of CHASI through his work with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council. His guest blog posts explore a wide range of topics related to firefighting and firefighters in Canada. You can read all of … Read more

Building Fire Resilience Through Data: Why Social and Material Conditions Must Shape Canada’s Wildfire Strategy

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Stock photo of a wildfire burning in a forest, taken from directly above. Few flames are visible, but lots of trees and smoke are.

This article is part of a series of posts led by CHASI Research Associate Len Garis, who has been a long-time partner of CHASI through his work with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council. His guest blog posts explore a wide range of topics related to firefighting and firefighters in Canada. You can read all of … Read more