A Tribal Council in the region says it’s time for an emergency response led by First Nations peoples, for First Nations peoples.
The Independent First Nations Alliance says Ontario is struggling to host all the evacuees who are fleeing wildfires in the Northwest, and has already dispatched its own system.
CEO Matthew Hoppe says IFNA created its own Emergency Operations Centre in 2019, in response to the 2019 fires in Pikangikum which forced the entire community to evacuate twice.
He argues their emergency management system is ready and experienced, and only needs the “resources, equipment, and budget” to make that sustainable.
“Back in 2019, with only two fires, IFNA filled a significant operational gap to support the evacuation of Pikangikum. This year, fires directly impact five communities and threatening more as fire season continues, with provincial resources stressed,” Hoppe says. “We know the needs of First Nations communities differ from those of urban communities, and we are ready to both provide support to the province as well as access support from other groups to make sure those needs are met.”
The group is also reacting to Premier Doug Ford’s suggestion this week that Pikangikum First Nation evacuees could be hosted in the Toronto area.
The community evacuation began on July 8th due to the threat of forest fires.
A statement from the council indicates that’s an example of Ontario’s emergency management plan focusing too much on urban centres.
