(May 30, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Southern Chiefs’ Organization, and Saskatchewan issued the following statement regarding the growing wildfire crisis across Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba:
“On behalf of the AFN, we extend our prayers to the families and communities impacted by the wildfires,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “This is an incredibly difficult time. We are thinking of those who have been displaced and lift up those on the front lines working to keep people safe.”
“The risks from wildfires are growing in severity every year. We cannot wait until we are in a crisis situation for First Nations to be taken seriously when we voice concerns. Chiefs need to be heard when they call for action to mobilize resources and must also have the authority and support to declare states of emergency,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Our Nations require trained responders, emergency coordinators, proper equipment, and long-term funding to reduce risk and protect our communities. These fires also make clear the urgent need to address infrastructure gaps, which worsen wildfire outcomes and jeopardize community safety and well-being. At the same time, emissions from these fires are contributing to climate change, which is driving extreme weather events.”
According to the AFN’s Closing the Infrastructure Gap by 2030 report, federal spending on emergency response in First Nations has risen nearly 400 percent over the past decade, yet much of it goes to short-term relief rather than long-term preparedness. The Conference Board of Canada’s recent analysis highlights that targeted investments, such as $30.9 billion to climate-resilient infrastructure, $12.7 billion to support a net-zero transition, and $35.5 billion for all-season roads, ports, airports, and runways to ensure timely emergency response, would not only reduce the impact of future crises but also contribute $70.6 billion to Canada’s GDP by 2030 and create more than 72,000 full-time jobs per year. Long-term, stable investments in First Nations-led emergency management and infrastructure, as outlined in AFN’s Prosperity for All, are critical to ensuring that First Nations can lead their own preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
“First Nations need improved water infrastructure to ensure water supply systems have the capacity to meet demands of fire hydrants,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Hydro infrastructure has been damaged, leaving First Nations isolated and relying on fuel or generators for uncertain amounts of time. Basics such as fresh food and clean drinking water are too scarce in the midst of crisis. These inequities in infrastructure pose grave risk to our people and must be addressed.”
“I’ve spoken with Chiefs from the affected Nations and the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure federal support is moving. I also met with Prime Minister Mark Carney yesterday to push for a coordinated, sustained response,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak “As communities are being evacuated, we urge everyone to follow local emergency instructions. As First Nations, we have always stood together in times of crisis, and we will continue to support each other through this challenging time.”
“Chiefs of Ontario stand in full solidarity with the communities impacted by the wildfires,” said Ontario AFN Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “These emergencies highlight the urgent need for First Nations-led approaches to emergency management, ones that are properly resourced, respected, and responsive. Our Nations cannot continue to be sidelined while our people and territories face escalating threats.”
“The ongoing wildfires in Manitoba are deeply concerning, and our hearts go out to all the evacuees,” said Manitoba AFN Regional Chief Willie Moore. “We commend the resilience and solidarity shown by our communities during this challenging time. It is crucial that the government increases its efforts in providing immediate support and implements comprehensive preventative measures to protect our lands and people from future disasters, respecting First Nations knowledge and traditional practices in land management.”
“We are calling on Premier Scott Moe and Prime Minister Mark Carney to take immediate action,” said Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte of Saskatchewan. “This wildfire season has become a full-scale crisis threatening the lives, lands, and well-being of our Woodland Cree communities. Evacuation routes are being cut off, resources are stretched thin and the situation is worsening by the hour. We need more firefighters, more air support, and clear coordination from all levels of government. As Treaty partners, we believe this is a time to stand together in the spirit of cooperation and mutual responsibility.”
“The fires burning across northern Manitoba are forcing our people to make impossible choices, leaving their homes with no idea when they’ll return, while waiting on governments to act,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson on the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC). “First Nations are leading through this crisis. Pimicikamak declared a State of Emergency on May 23, yet federal support was stalled by red tape. The Canadian Armed Forces were ready to help but the Pimicikamak First Nation was forced to wait. Active fires in Mathias Colomb Cree Nation and Marcel Colomb Cree Nation reflect how widespread and serious this crisis is. Chiefs, emergency workers, and community members are doing everything they can with the limited tools they have in the middle of a natural disaster. The AMC calls on all governments to remain committed to immediate, coordinated responses and communications with First Nations leadership as this wildfire season intensifies.”
“Right now, there are still thousands of people trapped in fire zones with no way out except by air,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). “We need governments to take action when our leaders sound the alarm. Our Chiefs understand how these quickly these fires move, they’ve seen it before and know what to expect. The laws of Manitoba must be amended to ensure First Nations have the same authority as municipalities to declare emergencies, and when they do, they should get the full support of government. It’s about listening to the leaders who know the people and the land best and acting quickly to keep everyone safe.”
“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) cares for our relatives from northern Manitoba and is developing plans to provide support and assistance to the 17,000+ citizens who are being displaced from their homes. Our Mobile Crisis Response Team will provide frontline assistance to evacuees in southern Manitoba,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “SCO will start a donation drive to gather the most-needed supplies for the evacuees. On behalf of the 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations that SCO represents, I send prayers for all those who are impacted by these fires.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
National Chief’s Office
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Genna Benson
Director of Communications
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
604-340-3117 (mobile)