Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is sending prayers, strength, and unwavering support to all First Nations and communities affected by the wildfires currently burning across Manitoba. As of Thursday, the Province has declared a second province-wide state of emergency this year, with over 105 active wildfires reported, placing immense pressure on First Nations leadership, families, and emergency support systems.

“We stand with all our relatives who are being forced to leave their homes and communities due to these dangerous and fast-moving wildfires,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “The safety and well-being of our citizens is our utmost priority. Our hearts are with the leadership, evacuees, and frontline workers responding with urgency and compassion.”

Currently, nine communities in Manitoba are under mandatory evacuation, and 12 local states of emergency have been declared, including Garden Hill Anisininew Nation, O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Marcel Colomb First Nation, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan), Pimicikamak Cree Nation, and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.. In response, emergency shelters have been re-established in Winnipeg, including the Leila Soccer Complex and the Billy Mosienko Arena. The City of Thompson is also pre-registering residents in anticipation of a potential evacuation, as a wildfire estimated at over 10,000 hectares continues to threaten the region. We encourage all those who are being evacuated to register with Red Cross to access resources and financial assistance during this time; online at https://ow.ly/KNXZ50W1Huu, or by calling 1-800-863-6582 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

According to provincial officials, Manitoba has seen 261 wildfires to date, significantly surpassing the 20-year average of 197. Over one million hectares have already burned, nearly 11 times the historical average of 94,000 hectares for this time of year.

“Climate emergencies like these wildfires are not just seasonal crises, they are symptoms of a larger pattern of environmental instability that First Nations have long warned governments about,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “We continue to call on all levels of government to ensure full coordination and communication with First Nations and adequate resourcing to meet immediate needs while also investing in long-term climate resilience for our Nations.”

The AMC further emphasizes the urgent need for First Nations to be equipped with adequate fire suppression equipment, including water bombers, pumps, hoses, protective gear, and trained emergency personnel. Too often, remote and northern First Nations are left vulnerable and under-equipped to respond in the crucial early hours of a wildfire threat. Investment in this equipment is not only lifesaving, but it is essential to upholding the Treaty obligation to protect First Nations and their lands.

The AMC continues to work in partnership with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), Anisininew Okimawin (AO), and affected First Nations leadership to monitor the situation, provide direct assistance to evacuees, and advocate for culturally appropriate emergency response efforts.

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For more information, please contact: 

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com  

About The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:

The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.