Indigenous leaders in Manitoba react to wildfire crisis

The fire situation remains dangerous across northern Manitoba, and now, even host communities that took in thousands of evacuees, like Norway House Cree Nation, are seeing growing smoke.

Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation says evacuees who initially sought refuge there are now being moved again, this time to Winnipeg and other parts of the province.

“The smoke that’s going to Norway house, when there’s smoke, what follows is fire,” said Chief Monias.

While Monias confirmed those in Norway House are now being actively evacuated elsewhere in the province, chiefs across Manitoba are now calling for a team-based approach going forward, one that includes First Nations, the province, and federal agencies working together from the start.

“I know everyone is working hard, but as First Nations leaders, when they request services for their nation, they need to get a response immediately,” said AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson.

Gordon Bluesky, Chief of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, says, “18,000 people being evacuated is a big problem no matter what part of the world you’re in, so I think it’s something that needs to be planned for.”

David Chartrand, president of MMF, added, “We plan wars outside, then let’s look at this as a war, let’s put energy, resources, and money behind it.”

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs says they’ve already been hearing troubling reports, saying some hotels are turning evacuees away.

“Shame on you, whoever said no to our people, and if I ever find out who that is, you will not receive any services from us,” said Grand Chief Wilson.

Chartrand added, “We’re booking rural hotels right now in Russell, Manitoba, Neepawa, and make sure we book the rooms necessary.”

Meanwhile, the Manitoba Métis Federation says over 600 families are already sheltering in three of their camps.

Chartrand says their response includes everything from medical coordination to feeding pets, but says they can’t do it on their own, calling on the federal and provincial governments to invest in more waterbombers in advance instead of relying on other provinces during the crisis.