Indigenous leaders in Manitoba are criticizing federal and provincial governments for slow responses and poor communication during the evacuation of 17,000 people from northern First Nations, triggered by uncontrolled wildfires starting May 28, 2025. Communities like Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Pukatawagan (Mathias Colomb Cree Nation), and Marcel Colomb First Nation received evacuation orders, while Tataskweyak and Fox Lake face growing threats. The operation, described as Manitoba’s largest evacuation in recent history, involves military support and shelters in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson. Dense smoke and rapidly advancing fires, worsened by dry conditions and strong winds, are hindering access to airports and highways, endangering safety.
Manitoba declared a provincewide state of emergency, mobilizing resources, but leaders like Kyra Wilson and David Monias highlight bureaucratic delays and lack of coordination.
Evacuations began in Pimicikamak over the weekend, prioritizing elders and those with medical conditions.
- Communities under evacuation orders:
- Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake).
- Pukatawagan (Mathias Colomb Cree Nation).
- Marcel Colomb First Nation.
- Flin Flon, Sherridon, and Lynn Lake.
Government communication failures
Indigenous leaders reported significant challenges in obtaining clear information from government authorities. Kyra Wilson, from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, stated that multiple calls to various departments yielded no details on evacuees’ locations or available support. The absence of a centralized crisis management hub was identified as a critical barrier.
David Monias, chief of Pimicikamak, said he was unable to reach federal officials while managing the evacuation of 6,500 residents. He noted that evacuees waited nine hours for a ferry in Norway House under precarious conditions. Pimicikamak, located 530 km north of Winnipeg, had its airport closed due to a fire burning 5 km away.
Garrison Settee, from Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), called for immediate, coordinated action, particularly for communities like Tataskweyak, where fires threaten to cut off access routes.
Scale of the evacuation
The operation involves approximately 17,000 people, marking it as Manitoba’s largest evacuation, according to Premier Wab Kinew. Most evacuees are being directed to Winnipeg, where reception centers, such as the Billy Mosienko Arena, operate 24/7. Additional shelters are open in Brandon, Thompson, Peguis First Nation, and Nelson House.
The Canadian Armed Forces deployed aircraft to assist with evacuations, particularly in remote areas like Pimicikamak, where 767 people were still awaiting transport as of Thursday. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is supporting transportation and patrolling evacuated communities to ensure security.
- Evacuee destinations:
- Winnipeg: community centers and arenas.
- Brandon: hotels and temporary shelters.
- Thompson: community facilities.
- Peguis and Nelson House: local shelters.
Wildfire conditions
The wildfires, fueled by strong winds and dry weather, are affecting northern and eastern Manitoba. A 20,000-hectare fire, originating in a landfill in Creighton, Saskatchewan, crossed the border and threatens Flin Flon, just 2 km away. In Pimicikamak, a 1,500-hectare fire is 5 km from Cross Lake, producing dense smoke that impairs air quality.
Pukatawagan faces three fires, the largest spanning 250 hectares, 1 km from the airstrip, which is currently inoperable. Tataskweyak and Fox Lake, in the northeast, are threatened by a 31,200-hectare fire near the Ontario border. The Manitoba Wildfire Service reports 17 active fires, with 93 incidents in 2025, 24% above the annual average.
Military and logistical support
Military intervention was requested due to the crisis’s scale. Canadian Armed Forces aircraft began evacuating residents from Pimicikamak to Winnipeg on Thursday, following the arrival of troops in Norway House. The RCMP closed roads, such as the junction of Highways 374 and 373, and advised drivers to use Provincial Road 10 despite reduced visibility from smoke.
The Canadian Red Cross is registering evacuees to track their locations and provide assistance, including transportation, lodging, and meals. Residents are instructed to bring medications, documents, and pet supplies.
- Mobilized resources:
- Armed Forces: evacuation flights.
- RCMP: patrolling and traffic control.
- Red Cross: registration and logistical support.
- Manitoba 211: helpline for evacuees.
Calls for an emergency hub
Indigenous leaders proposed establishing an emergency management center for First Nations to centralize information and resources. Kyra Wilson criticized the current fragmented approach, where each community deals with governments independently. The proposal aims to streamline responses and prevent delays, such as those in Pukatawagan, where the airstrip is blocked and train services were suspended due to unsafe conditions.
David Monias emphasized the need for a more efficient system, citing prolonged waits for transportation and lack of direct communication with Ottawa. Garrison Settee stressed that the priority is saving lives and ensuring safe relocation for all evacuees.
Communities on alert
In addition to those under evacuation orders, Norway House and Chemawawin Cree Nation (Easterville) are on alert, with residents advised to prepare emergency kits. Chemawawin evacuated 450 people on Monday due to smoke but is not under a full evacuation order. Fox Lake and York Factory, near Tataskweyak, face imminent risks, with urgent requests for evacuating elders and children.
The province recommends that residents in eastern Manitoba keep vehicles fueled and emergency kits ready, citing a 31,200-hectare fire near the Ontario border. Burning restrictions are in place, with a total ban on campfires in high-risk areas.
Adverse weather conditions
The Canadian Weather Service forecasts above-average temperatures for the summer of 2025, with no significant rainfall expected in the near term, exacerbating drought conditions. Relative humidity in Manitoba is low, and winds up to 40 km/h are spreading flames rapidly. The Manitoba Wildfire Service warns that human activities, such as unauthorized burns, have contributed to the current fires.
In Pimicikamak, smoke has reduced visibility, darkening the sky, though flames are not yet visible. Pukatawagan faces similar conditions, with thick smoke hampering air operations.
- Weather factors:
- Above-average temperatures.
- Low humidity and strong winds.
- Ban on burning in high-risk areas.
- 17 active fires, 93 incidents in 2025.
Public safety measures
The RCMP has increased patrols in evacuated communities to prevent looting and protect properties. Roads like Provincial Road 39, leading to Thompson, are discouraged due to accident risks. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and avoid congestion.
The province is coordinating hotels and shelters, but high demand has depleted available spaces in Manitoba. Evacuees from Flin Flon, a city of about 5,000, are being directed to Winnipeg via The Pas, while high-complexity hospital patients were transferred preemptively.
Community and Indigenous support
Neighboring communities, such as Peguis and Nelson House, have opened shelters to accommodate evacuees. Norway House dispatched over 12 buses to Pimicikamak, registering 500 evacuees by Wednesday. The MKO is coordinating efforts with local leaders to ensure supplies reach the most vulnerable.
Federal Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty stated she is in contact with Indigenous leaders, but David Monias denied receiving direct communication. The Red Cross and local organizations are providing meals and psychological support at reception centers.
- Community initiatives:
- Peguis and Nelson House: temporary shelters.
- Norway House: buses for evacuation.
- MKO: coordination with leadership.
- Red Cross: humanitarian support.