Wildfire Destroys Seasonal Camps at Whitewater Lake First Nation

Whitewater Lake First Nation lost homes, personal belongings and infrastructure when wildfire struck the community on Wednesday. The Anishinaabe community, located 70 kilometres north of Armstrong and 250 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ontario, consists of seasonal camps accessible only by floatplane for six months of the year.

Chief Pauline Drake said the damage became visible in photographs she viewed on Saturday. "It was full of beaches, sand beaches, good fishing, good hunting — the wildlife was beautiful. We had eagles that were always there," Drake told CBC News on Sunday.

200 wildfires are burning across Ontario.

More than 1,800 people have been evacuated province-wide. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation said the organization will support rebuilding efforts. He called for improved coordination between provincial and federal governments on evacuation management and support for displaced residents.

"Canada is mobilizing more than 5,000 firefighters and nearly 300 waterbombers, helicopters, and evacuation aircraft to contain, control, and mitigate the fires," a federal statement posted Sunday said. Drake noted that firefighters are working to protect the region.

She described the fires as a natural process that does not discriminate. The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers 24/7 telephone and online support to Indigenous people in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.