As fire in encampments raise concerns, Indigenous firekeeper advocates for fire management

Fires burning in Winnipeg’s encampments have become a growing concern, with neighbourhood residents fearing the flames will spread to nearby buildings and homes.

There were multiple reported fires in Winnipeg encampments last week which had to be put out by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, but an Indigenous firekeeper says the fires are needed — especially in vulnerable communities.

“They help us for heat, for warmth, and for food,” said Patrick Neilan, also known as Goldstar in the community.

Neilan said in Indigenous teachings, all fires are sacred.

“The fire is a light that brings the people. They come to it, it’s like a gathering,” he said.

Fires are also a way to heal. After a death in the community, sacred fires are used for people to connect with their loved ones who have passed.

Last month, Neilan was the firekeeper at a fire for Tammy Bateman — a woman who was killed in the encampment at Winnipeg’s Fort Rouge Park.

“The fire is the light, helps the spirit and guides the spirit to the fire so the family can have four days and four nights with the spirit and talk about the spirit,” he said. “Everyone gets to learn about who that person was so they can honour them and help with the grieving and the healing of the family.”

Neilan said while fires are needed, safety is still paramount. He said situations like the multiple fires being reported in Winnipeg encampments last week cannot continue. People need to learn how to properly care for the flames, and Nolan said one way to learn more about fire safety is by reconnecting with their teachings.

“Thousands of years ago we had tipis and fires and there was no issue. It wasn’t until Residential School, then there was an issue, because people forgot the teachings behind the fire,” he said.

“(Firekeepers) eat with the fire, we talk to the fire, we sing to the fire. We’re constantly with the fire. That’s actually the thing with most of these fires, people leave them unattended. You’re not supposed to, because the fire is a spirit. It’s like leaving your friend alone.”

With not enough firekeepers to go around to watch sacred fires being burned for all the people who need it, Neilan says he would love to see programs that bring fires to the people. This way, organizations with more resources can take the measures needed to ensure people’s safety as they try to heal.

“We can have some ceremonies down the river and help these people heal and help them move on and make better choices,” said Neilan.