May 28, 2025, 6:01 p.m. (Winnipeg)
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg Mb - Nearly 17, 500 people in northern Manitoba’s First Nations are now trying to get to safety as emergency evacuations are underway in four northern First Nations, two more First Nations are on evacuation notice. This emergency is unfolding in real-time as wildfires continue to spread, cutting off key access points.
Pimicikamak’s airport is non-operational due to the fire threat. Chief and Council are working to coordinate immediate emergency evacuations as thousands are attempting to be flown out. The community is also isolated by fire from the main highway. Marcel Colomb First Nation is also evacuated, and the community of Sherridon. Mathias Colomb Cree Nation is immediately evacuating as fire activity threatens limited escape routes, access to its airport is cut-off, trains are also not operating because of the fire threat.
MKO is supporting the emergency response. We urge the Government of Manitoba to declare a province-wide state of emergency. With high temperatures forecast over the next days we expect the fire behaviour to escalate. Hotels are at capacity; more support to accommodate and care for evacuees is required. We encourage our friends in the hotel industry to provide make space available in this emergency.
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is a non-profit, political advocacy organization that has represented 26 First Nation communities in Manitoba’s North since 1981. The MKO represents more than 72,000 First Nations people.