Just days after the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, located north of Thunder Bay, Ont., was devastated by fire, another community in the area has been struck by wildfires.
Whitewater Lake First Nation lies approximately 70 kilometres north of Armstrong and 250 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. This Anishinaabe community is recognized as a non-status First Nation and is affiliated with the Windigo First Nations Council.
The community mainly consists of seasonal camps and can only be reached six months a year by floatplane, meaning there are no permanent residents living there.
Chief Pauline Drake mentioned that many homes, personal belongings, and essential infrastructure have been lost as nearly 200 wildfires continue to burn throughout the province.
“It was full of beaches, sand beaches, good fishing, good hunting – the wildlife was beautiful. We had eagles that were always there,” Drake told on Sunday. “I don’t know how the wildlife is now. That’s very concerning because they were part of our upbringing there.”
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Chief Pauline Drake of Whitewater Lake First Nation in northwestern Ontario says the community has a rich history for local families and visitors alike. (Submitted by Whitewater Lake First Nation)
Drake said that while the damage happened on Wednesday, she only saw photos of it on Saturday.
“It’s hitting everybody right now – it’s real,” she said.
“These wildfires have not only impacted our First Nation communities but also the tourist outfitters, all the camp owners, the private ones, all our friends and allies all across Ontario and Canada.”
We will do everything we can to support them in rebuilding their community.- NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler
Alvin Fiddler serves as grand chief for Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), a political-territorial organization representing 49 First Nations across Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 territory.
He expressed his heartbreak upon hearing about Whitewater Lake’s devastation.
“We will do everything we can to support them in rebuilding their community,” Fiddler stated.
Drake shared that sometimes she feels helpless due to this situation but remains thankful for all firefighters who are tirelessly working to safeguard the area.
“Forest fires – it’s Mother Nature’s way, right? You cannot stop it. It doesn’t discriminate against anybody,” she explained.
With over 1,800 wildfire evacuees scattered throughout the province, Fiddler is pushing for a more organized response from provincial and federal governments regarding evacuations and aid for those displaced.
During a visit to Thunder Bay on Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated his government would “do and spend whatever it takes to protect people from these devastating wildfires.”
In Ottawa , Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that “this is one of the most intense wildfire seasons in Canadian history due to extreme heat waves and record-breaking dry conditions.”
“Canada is mobilizing more than 5 ,000 firefighters and nearly 300 waterbombers , helicopters , and evacuation aircraft to contain , control , and mitigate the fires,” Carney mentioned in a Facebook post on Sunday. “It’s an enormous , complex effort that ultimately depends on dedicated and brave individuals who work relentlessly to keep Canadians safe.”
The Hope for Wellness Helpline provides immediate , toll-free telephone , and online chat-based emotional supportand crisis interventiontoall Indigenous peoplein Canada. This serviceis available24 /7in Englishand French, andupon requestin Cree, O jibwayand Inuktitut.
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