Latest news with #IndigenousCommunities
CTV News
2 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Two Ontario First Nations declare wildfire emergencies, plan evacuations
Two First Nations in Ontario's far north have declared states of emergency and are planning evacuations as wildfires threaten their communities. Leaders in Deer Lake First Nation, near the Manitoba boundary, made their declaration today and say they are planning a 'complete community evacuation' involving 1,300 people. A forest fire burning nearby is estimated to be nearly 75 square kilometres in size. Webequie First Nation, about 540 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont., declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of a wildfire burning within a kilometre of the community. It says it has initiated the first phase of an evacuation for elders, children and residents with medical conditions. The First Nation says 400 people are expected to be transported to Barrie, Ont., within the next day or so. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
CBC
9 hours ago
- General
- CBC
Northern Ontario city hires its first Indigenous policy advisor
Sault Ste. Marie created a brand new position this year: Indigenous policy and process renewal advisor (or Anishnaabe E-Wiidookaage in Anishinaabemowin). It's a long title with an even longer list of priorities - and we'll hear from Kaitlyn Neveu, the woman taking on the challenge. Kaitlyn Neveu is the City of Sault Ste. Marie's first ever Anishnaabe E-Wiidookaage. That's the Indigenous policy and process renewal adviser in Anishinaabemowin. In her new role, Neveu is tasked to make sure the northern Ontario city meets its commitments to reconciliation by applying the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada calls to action that relate to municipal governance. "The City of Sault Ste. Marie has taken a huge step forward and that I really, truly hope that more municipalities take on this responsibility and put into force the connections and the relationships that are needed between our Indigenous communities," she told CBC's Up North. Neveu said she works with nearby Indigenous communities and leaders, including elders and knowledge keepers to help the city meet its commitment to reconciliation. "This position is certainly a privilege to me," she said. "I'm represented both as a trusted voice for our Indigenous communities and a skilled advisor capable of navigating government structures." Neveu said the city recently approached her about developing a policy around smudging, which she sees as a success. Smudging is a cultural practice that involves burning sacred herbs, such as sage, for purification and cleansing. Before taking on her current role, Neveu said she worked in the child welfare system. "I just realized that we need so much change, and that change starts with education and knowledge," she said. Neveu added that her role lets her connect with non-Indigenous people and help educate them on where Indigenous people "are coming from." "This position allows me to speak our voice," she said.
Globe and Mail
19 hours ago
- Climate
- Globe and Mail
Deer Lake, Webequie First Nations declare wildfire emergency
Two First Nations in Ontario's far north have declared states of emergency and are planning evacuations as wildfires threaten their communities. Leaders in Deer Lake First Nation, near the Manitoba boundary, made their declaration today and say they are planning a 'complete community evacuation' involving 1,300 people. A forest fire burning nearby is estimated to be nearly 75 square kilometres in size. Webequie First Nation, about 540 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont., declared a state of emergency on Thursday because of a wildfire burning within a kilometre of the community. It says it has initiated the first phase of an evacuation for elders, children and residents with medical conditions. The First Nation says 400 people are expected to be transported to Barrie, Ont., within the next day or so.
CTV News
20 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Espanola spiritual centre now Indigenous-led after 40 years
Northern Ontario Watch The Anishinabe Spiritual Centre in Espanola, a decades-old hub for Indigenous and Catholic communities, is now under Indigenous leadership after the Jesuits of Canada transferred governance to a new Indigenous-led board, marking a historic step toward self-governance and spiritual reclamation. Amanda Hicks reports.
CBC
a day ago
- Climate
- CBC
Manitoba residents should expect more evacuations, says premier
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Friday that residents should anticipate further evacuation orders as wildfires continue to sweep the northern part of the province. He said there is a particular concern for Indigenous communities like Pukatawagan, as nearby fires got worse overnight. Manitoba declared a state of emergency over the wildfires on Wednesday.
