Kristy-Lynn Pankhurst, a World Indigenous Studies Education (WISE) program student, is enlightening future generations through her research and career in fire safety. Kristy strengthens her community through multiple avenues: she works as the community outreach and professional development officer through Scugog Fire and Emergency Services, and she is also the secretary of Fire Service Women Ontario. “I aim to build more resilient communities,” Kristy says. She is devoted not only to protecting lives, but creating a fire service where everyone belongs.
Community has always been special to Kristy, which is one of the things she loves most about the WISE program. “I was drawn to its emphasis on Indigenous worldviews, relational learning, and leadership grounded in respect, responsibility, and reciprocity,” Kristy reflects.
As the program has unfolded, Kristy has been touched by the family it has created. “The in-person residency was unforgettable,” she shares. “We came together in learning circles held in outdoor classrooms, shared traditional meals both on campus and at the outdoor education centre, and built lifelong connections with peers and faculty. The sense of community, the grounding in land-based learning, and the exchange of knowledge in such a relational and respectful space deeply enriched my understanding of Indigenous education and ways of knowing. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of learning in community, not just in theory, but in practice.”
Kristy brings her love for community into her work in fire safety. She shares her knowledge with children, cares for elders, and empowers young girls to shine as firefighters someday. “Whether it’s installing smoke alarms for a senior who needs support or visiting a kindergarten class to teach ‘Learn Not to Burn,’ I love being able to reduce fire risks through education and outreach,” Kristy expresses. “It’s especially meaningful when I receive messages from parents telling me their child came home and insisted they test their smoke alarms and create a home escape plan—because of what they learned in school that day. Knowing that those lessons are being shared at home and leading to real actions reinforces just how impactful early education can be.”
One of the most rewarding highlights of Kristy’s career has been teaching at girls’ firefighting camps: “Being part of these camps and helping to inspire the next generation of female firefighters and fire educators is something I’ll always carry with me. It’s about more than just teaching skills—it’s about representation, mentorship, and showing young girls that there is a meaningful place for them in this profession.”
Above all else, Kristy emphasizes the gravity of strong communication for effective fire and life safety education. Throughout her time in the WISE program, she has devoted herself to her research on reducing the risk of fire in Indigenous communities through cost-effective and accessible education. “I grew up in the Fire Service and from a young age, I saw how rewarding and impactful this work could be,” Kristy recollects. Now, thanks to Kristy, generations of children will grow up to bring safety and diversity to their communities.
About the Author
Juliette Silveira is a final year Education student at Queen’s University. In 2024, she completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree at Queen’s University with a Minor in Dramatic Arts and a Major in English Language & Literature. In July 2025, she will complete her Bachelor of Education degree through the Concurrent Education program. Juliette has spent her time at Queen’s learning to become an Intermediate/Senior Drama and English teacher, and she has focused on Indigenous teacher education through the ITEP program. Passionate about cultivating students’ creativity and critical thinking, Juliette is eager to bring her experience as an actress, musical theatre teacher, creative writer, and literary analyst into her classroom.