Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) are urgently calling on all levels of government and emergency response agencies to take immediate, coordinated action as wildfires intensify in northern Manitoba, putting the lives of thousands of First Nations citizens at immediate risk.

Mathias Colomb Cree Nation is facing a dire crisis. Over 2,300 members of the remote community are stranded without road access, and recent developments have rendered fixed-wing aircraft unable to land due to the encroaching fire. Evacuations are now dependent on helicopters, each capable of transporting only six passengers at a time—an unacceptable pace given the urgency of the situation. Leadership has made repeated calls to the Canadian Armed Forces for immediate support and is awaiting a confirmed, full-scale evacuation plan.

“Our community is in immediate danger. We have over 2,300 people stranded with no road access and no way out by plane. The helicopters are too slow and too small. We need the Canadian Armed Forces to step in now. Every hour we wait puts lives at risk,” said Chief Gordie Bear, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation.

In Tataskweyak Cree Nation, a state of emergency was declared on May 30, 2025, following a total power failure just before 5:30 p.m. The wildfire is now just one kilometre from the community, and road access remains closed. To date, only 200 of the 2,400 residents have been successfully evacuated. The community is in urgent need of fuel, generators, and effective communication from emergency management authorities.

“We declared a state of emergency because the fire is closing in, and we’ve lost power. Only 200 people have been evacuated so far. We need fuel, generators, and clear communication from emergency agencies. Our people are scared, and we need help now,” said Chief Doreen Spence, Tataskweyak Cree Nation.

Both communities are calling for the immediate deployment of evacuation resources, logistical and fuel supports, and a significant improvement in communication protocols with emergency service providers. Leadership from both Nations have raised serious concerns regarding delays and lack of response from the Canadian Red Cross, including multiple reports of unanswered calls during critical hours.

“We urge all levels of government, emergency agencies, and private partners to act now. Mathias Colomb and Tataskweyak are in danger. Every delay puts lives at risk. There is no room for jurisdictional confusion when our communities are in crisis,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

“This is a massive undertaking, but we are glad to see federal, provincial, and municipal governments working together. We need to ensure that all First Nations receive the support they need during this crisis,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.

AMC and MKO are jointly calling for the immediate establishment of a centralized emergency command centre that includes direct representation from affected First Nations leadership. This wildfire emergency constitutes a large-scale natural disaster, and the response must reflect the scale, urgency, and sovereignty of First Nations governments on the frontlines.

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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.