Canada Wildfires Force Thousands of First Nations Evacuations

More than 900 wildfires are currently burning across Canada, leading to the evacuation of over 2,182 individuals from 13 First Nations communities. The Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) First Nation experienced a devastating blaze that destroyed most of its community in under an hour, forcing residents to evacuate by boat with only minutes to gather belongings. Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige confirmed that all community members have been accounted for, but expressed deep sadness over the extensive damage to homes and community buildings.

As of Friday, 750 of the 903 active fires remained out of control, with 43 new fires starting in the preceding 24 hours. Ontario has been particularly affected, with seven First Nations among those evacuated due to 193 fires burning in the province. The Chiefs of Ontario reported that several communities were cleared under mandatory evacuation orders, supported by the Ontario Provincial Police. Besides Namaygoosisagagun, other impacted First Nations include Whitesand First Nation, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, and Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek. Numerous non-Indigenous communities in Ontario have also been issued evacuation orders.

The Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) First Nation, located approximately 125 miles north of Thunder Bay and inaccessible by road, did not receive advance warning from provincial or national officials, nor did they receive evacuation support, according to Debassige. Community members reportedly went door-to-door to alert neighbors, and more than two dozen people were evacuated by boat.