(July 24, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak issued the following statement today in response to the ongoing wildfire emergency affecting First Nations communities in Northern Ontario.
“On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), I offer my prayers and support to all Nations, communities and families affected by these devastating wildfires and the forced evacuations across the region. Displacement from home is deeply traumatic, and our hearts are with the Elders, youth, families, first responders, and all others as they continue to navigate this crisis.”
“I join Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Gull Bay First Nation Chief Wilfred King, as well as all leadership, in calling for a public inquiry into Ontario’s response to these wildfires. There are many issues that need to be examined, including the lack of communication and the lack of support for the people and First Nations that were in danger. We need to fully examine the situation so we can ensure plans and supports are in place so that this does not happen again. Climate change is very real and continues to disproportionately affect First Nations. Each season we see these situations growing in severity. First Nations must have timely, culturally appropriate and effective emergency management supports. Clearly operational changes are needed to include First Nations leadership in federal, provincial and territorial emergency management monitoring and response decisions – from the beginning of the fire season and throughout. All provinces and territories should have clear proactive operational mechanisms to work with First Nations leadership in order to prepare for, and respond to, the annual fire season.”
“Extreme weather events are the new normal due to inaction on the climate crisis. Collaboration and inclusion at all levels is needed to develop projections and assessments of wildfire emergencies along with communication and quick response protocols to protect the safety, of First Nations people’s, their homes and communities. Jurisdictional disputes are no excuse to allow climate emergencies to devastate our communities. First Nations must have the resources and capacity to care for their members before, during, and after climate emergencies, regardless of jurisdiction. I look forward to positive recommendations coming out of a public inquiry so that all of Canada can move forward and implement climate emergency management in a good way.”
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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
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]