The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has urged Ottawa to rebuild Namaygoosisagagun First Nation after wildfires destroyed the northern Ontario community, as the province requests federal aid for a worsening crisis threatening multiple regions.
AFN condemns government response to First Nation wildfire
At its Annual General Assembly in Ottawa, AFN chiefs criticized federal and provincial governments for failing to support Namaygoosisagagun residents as they fled a blaze on Monday. Linda Debassige, Grand Council Chief of Anishinabek Nation, stated that without swift action, the community would have faced fatalities. Chief Helen Paavola, in a statement read to the assembly, said her community was "completely destroyed" and left to fend for itself.
The AFN passed an emergency resolution calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to provide immediate support and commit to rebuilding the First Nation, located 210 km north of Thunder Bay.
Ontario seeks federal help for evacuations
Ontario Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop warned that 15 northern communities may require simultaneous evacuations, including by air, and requested Canadian Armed Forces assistance. In a letter to federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, Dunlop noted the province may lack sufficient aircraft for evacuations and urged a 24-hour federal response.
Olszewski confirmed receipt of Ontario’s request for air support, calling it "precautionary" and pledging rapid mobilization of federal resources. Premier Doug Ford thanked emergency crews and announced additional funding, including $650 million for new helicopters and water bombers, while requesting more federal aid.
Evacuations and air quality warnings expand
Cat Lake First Nation Chief Russell Wesley called for a state of emergency as his community, 200 km northwest of Thunder Bay, faced power and internet outages. Evacuations are underway, with limited aircraft available. Meanwhile, 177 active wildfires in Ontario have triggered evacuation orders in multiple communities, including Armstrong and several First Nations.
Environment Canada warned of widespread smoke in Armstrong, with wind gusts up to 40 km/h. In British Columbia, Boston Bar residents were ordered to evacuate due to a wildfire, while parts of Pemberton faced evacuation alerts.
