‘Utmost concern': First Nations leaders fear evacuees at risk of exploitation
Evacuees arrive at Billy Mosienko Arena on May 29, 2025. (Alex Karpa/CTV News)
First Nations leaders fear a supposed safe haven from the wildfires could bring a whole new set of danger for the 18,000 evacuees forced to leave their communities.
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Garrison Settee said Tuesday past evacuees staying in Winnipeg have been targeted and victimized.
He worries Manitobans forced to flee their wildfire-threatened communities could face similar exploitation.
'Drug trafficking, human trafficking and sexual violence on our women - these are our utmost concern,' he said at a news conference Thursday.
Garrison Settee
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee speaks at a June 5, 2025 news conference at the Winnipeg police headquarters. (Glenn Pismenny/CTV News Winnipeg)
To stop that from happening again, the Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP are working together to boost patrol in and around evacuation centres. They also plan to have liaisons meet daily with evacuees.
'It's important for all evacuees to know that help is available. Don't be afraid to speak up if you feel unsafe, unsure or overwhelmed. We are here to help,' said RCMP Insp. Catherine Light.
The boosted enforcement is meant to serve as a proactive measure, as well as a deterrent for those who look to prey upon vulnerable people, RCMP said.
Meanwhile, Winnipeggers have called on police to do their part, as well.
'My message for Winnipeg residents is - have compassion,' Supt. Bonnie Emerson said.
Winnipeg evacuation centre
Manitobans arrive at Billy Mosienko Arena on May 31, 2025 where a temporary evacuation centre has been set up. (Alex Karpa/CTV News)
'This is how we give back'
Sinclair Park Community Centre president Tracy Ball has taken Emerson's message to heart.
She has opened the centre's doors to provide programming for about 300 youth from Cross Lake, giving them a safe place to run around and just be kids.
'Their children don't have their toys. They don't have all of the normal things around them, so we're going to try to give them as much as we can - a normal summer, as much as we can,' Ball said.
She hopes others will follow suit and make evacuees feel safe and welcome.
It's tantamount to building relationships, Ball said.
'This is part of our truth and reconciliation, so this is how we give back.'
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