AMC Statement on State of Emergency Declarations by Fisher River Cree Nation and Peguis First Nation
April 20, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (April 20, 2026) – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) issues the following statement regarding the current State of Emergency declarations by Fisher River Cree Nation and Peguis First Nation.
Chief Stan Bird of Peguis First Nation has announced that evacuations will be necessary, as flooding is expected to reach levels similar to 2022, when about 2,000 citizens were displaced. On April 18, 2026, Chief David Crate of Fisher River Cree Nation declared a state of emergency to secure the support needed to protect homes, infrastructure, and community safety.
The safety of First Nations citizens remains the top priority as communities proceed with evacuation planning, emergency coordination, and flood protection.
AMC acknowledges that federal and provincial supports have been activated, including approval of a Request for Federal Assistance and deployment of personnel, equipment, and emergency supplies. This support covers sandbagging operations, immediate mitigation, and other response measures now underway. Over 220,000 sandbags have been delivered to assist protection efforts in affected areas.
This state of emergency highlights the ongoing need for permanent solutions. Peguis First Nation and Fisher River Cree Nation have both faced repeated flooding emergencies for years, and the concerns raised in 2022 persist. Despite previous commitments, they still rely on temporary protections instead of permanent flood-mitigation infrastructure.
AMC commends Chief David Crate, Chief Stan Bird, and their Councils for their swift action to protect their communities. We also recognize the emergency crews, staff, volunteers, and community members who continue to dedicate long hours to response efforts.
AMC urges all levels of government to work closely with First Nations leadership to ensure the necessary supports, services, and resources are available for both rapid response and recovery.
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.