First Nations groups devastated by Canada’s wildfires say government did not help
First Nations communities in Canada are criticizing the government for a lack of support during a record-breaking wildfire season. Many residents were forced to self-evacuate as homes were destroyed before official emergency alerts were issued.
Why it matters
The incident highlights systemic failures in emergency management and the disproportionate impact of climate-driven disasters on indigenous populations.
Smoke from wildfires settling in the sunset, seen from the shores of Neskantaga First Nation, Ontario. Smoke from wildfires settling in the sunset, seen from the shores of Neskantaga First Nation, Ontario. Canada First Nations groups devastated by Canada’s wildfires say government did not help Chiefs in Ontario say they were left to self-evacuate before homes burned to ground, after being told there was no imminent threat
Prefer the Guardian on Google Fast-moving wildfires have burned two First Nations communities in Canada to the ground, as members said they were left to self-evacuate without government help or emergency alerts.
Thirteen communities in Ontario province have been ordered to evacuate because of wildfires, most of them First Nations. The Ontario premier, Doug Ford, told reporters on Monday that close to 2,000 people had been evacuated so far to cities including Toronto and Niagara Falls.
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