Latest news with #IndigenousFirstNations
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wildfire totals in Canada quickly surpass yearly average
It's still early in the traditional fire season and wildfires in Canada are burning across the land faster than any other year except for 2023. So far this year, more than 7.8 million acres have burned, which is close to the size of the state of Maryland. This season has already passed the annual average. The 25-year average of land burned in Canada in a season is 7.3 million acres, according to data from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. In 2023, a record was set with over 40 million acres burned and this year's total is set to be well above normal. It's not just the fires themselves that are causing issues, but the smoke has reached into the U.S. causing air quality issues and has even made its way across the Atlantic. There are currently 225 active fires burning across Canada, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. Of the 225 active wildfires in Canada, 116 are out of control, 27 are being held and 82 are under control. Canada currently has multiple massive active fires greater than 250,000 acres burning in five provinces. The country's largest fire is the Shoe Fire, burning in central Saskatchewan 100 miles north of Saskatoon, The Washington Post reported. That fire is now over 1.2 million acres in size and has prompted evacuations in 33 rural communities. British Columbia currently has two massive out-of-control fires among the 86 active fires within the province, per The Washington Post. One of the fires in the far north part of the province is getting close to reaching 500,000 acres. Another rapidly growing fire has led to evacuations for rural Indigenous First Nations regions. In Alberta, there are 60 active fires and five of them are over 120,000 acres. The province's largest fire was started by lightning north of Edmonton and had grown past 320,000 acres earlier this week. There are five fires in Manitoba that are greater than 120,000 acres and are out of control, and the largest is over 740,000 acres. Because of increased moisture, the growth of the larger fires has slowed significantly. Ontario's largest fire is over 370,000 acres and there are multiple wildfires burning in the southwest area of the province. The region's fires have also been subdued by wetter conditions recently, per The Washington Post. Rain is forecast near some of the Canadian fires this weekend and into next week, which will hopefully help contain the blazes more. As the smoke has caused air quality issues across Canada as well as in the Midwest and Eastern United States it's also made its way across the Atlantic Ocean. According to The Washington Post, this week a plume of smoke from the fires has caused hazy skies in Europe. As of Wednesday morning the smoke had traveled around 6,000 miles from its origin to central parts of Russia. Another round of smoke may be prevented from filling European skies next week thanks to a high-pressure system forming near Western Europe. The layer of smoke in the atmosphere has caused typically blue skies to have an orange or milk-white hue, and it also changes the appearance of the sun. 'The change in the appearance of the sun and sky is due to smoke particles in the atmosphere scattering the blue wavelengths of light more, allowing predominantly orange and red hues to reach our eyes,' per BBC Weather.
Hamilton Spectator
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
North American Indigenous Games will return to Alberta in 2027
(ANNews) – The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) – the largest continental sporting and cultural event for Indigenous youth – will return to Alberta in 2027. It symbolizes a homecoming to the province where the Games first began. Set to take place in July 2027 over 8 days, the event is expected to welcome approximately 6,000 Indigenous youth athletes and coaches from across Canada and the United States. The Games will combine 16 sporting events with cultural programming that celebrates the traditions, languages, and identities of Indigenous First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples throughout North America. 'NAIG is a powerful platform for advancing reconciliation, community pride, and athletic achievement,' said the NAIG media coordinator in a release. 'It is more than a competition – it's a celebration of Indigenous excellence.' The very first NAI Games were held in 1990 in Edmonton, with the vision of bringing Indigenous youth together through sport and cultural exchange. One of the original organizers, Charles Wood, reflected on the movement's beginnings: 'The vision of the NAIG, from the very beginning, along with my brothers, Willie Littlechild of Ermineskin First Nation at Hobbema, and Big John Fletcher of Peigan in Southern Alberta, was one of concern about what was happening among the young people in all of our communities… We wanted to give them something to look forward to.' As the Games return to Alberta four decades later, organizers and community leaders see the 2027 event as both a continuation and an evolution of that vision. The NAIG Council, which oversees the planning and governance of the Games, has appointed International Chief Dr. Wilton Littlechild, O.C., A.O.E., K.C. as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. A co-founder of NAIG, Dr. Littlechild brings extensive experience in Indigenous sport, advocacy, and law. 'The North American Indigenous Games represent the strength, resilience, and brilliance of our youth and Nations,' said Dr. Littlechild. 'I am deeply honoured to take on this responsibility and work alongside an incredible team to ensure the 2027 NAIG reflects the spirit of celebration, unity, and Indigenous excellence.' While exact venues are still to be confirmed, Calgary's selection as the 2027 host city presents major opportunities for infrastructure development, youth programming, and the increased visibility of Indigenous communities in Alberta. Organizers are exploring how to build a meaningful legacy, taking inspiration from past Games – such as the 2023 NAIG in Halifax, which welcomed approximately 5,000 athletes from 756 Nations. That event had a significant impact, and as former NAIG Council President Shannon Dunfield noted, '[NAIG] can be expected to generate approximately $15 to $20 million in economic spending in the host province or territory.' The 2014 NAIG in Regina left a lasting mark by expanding Indigenous youth sport programs, increasing local infrastructure investment, and forging partnerships between Indigenous communities and municipal governments. As Calgary prepares to host thousands of athletes, families, and supporters from across the continent, NAIG 2027 is shaping up to be more than just a sporting event. It's a chance to honour the past, invest in the future, and celebrate the rich cultures and achievements of Indigenous youth. For updates, visit or
