Chiefs demand public inquiry and removal of MNR leadership
The chiefs of First Nations directly impacted by the wildfire situation are calling for a public inquiry and the “immediate removal” of the people leading the province’s response.
After multiple First Nations self-evacuated, their chiefs say that they were repeatedly told by the Ministry of Natural Resources that they were not in any danger until the threat was imminent and had reached their community.
They want Chris Cuthbertson, the MNR’s director for aviation, forest fire and emergency services, as well as the assistant deputy minister on that file removed from those roles.
“We want to counter some of the narrative that Ontario is promoting out there, that they are in regular contact with our leadership. They are not,” said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.
“They were here on Saturday, Premier Doug Ford, some ministers were here as well, and they didn’t even bother to reach out to any First Nation leader, including (Fort William First Nation) Chief (Michele) Solomon, including those chiefs that are most directly impacted by those fires,” he continued.
“What he is saying is not true. He’s creating a narrative so that he can basically lie to Canadians, and lie to the people of Ontario,” said Chief Wilfred King of Gull Bay First Nation at a press conference on Tuesday hosted by NAN in Thunder Bay.
The MNR disputes that assertion. “We are in constant contact with First Nations communities,” said MNR spokesperson Dave Bradley on Wednesday.
The chiefs of six directly impacted First Nations, including King, said none have been contacted by a provincial minister and several said they had to self-evacuate with no warning from the MNR that they were at risk.
Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) and Whitewater First Nations were both destroyed by wildfire and Kiashke Zaaging (Gull Bay) Anishinaabek, Whitesand, Eabametoong and Mishkeegogamang First Nations are all under evacuation.
Chief Sol Atlookan of Eabmetoong First Nation said the band had to call for the federal government’s intervention as the fire approached the community, saying the MNR did not respond to the fire as the wind was working in their favour.
Two days later, they were able to get the federal government to send military aircrafts to the community.
“Ontario has completely disregarded the safety of Indigenous communities in Northwestern Ontario,” he said.
Atlookan personally called for Minister Greg Rickford to step down as well.
“Why is he called the minister of Indigenous affairs? Shouldn’t he be the first one to jump up and get his people organized to tackle the danger of the forest fires?” he said.
While slamming the government and MNR leadership, the chiefs also extended great thanks to the frontline wildfire fighters, and to Canadians who are donating, hosting and standing behind them in support of their rights.
The province’s lack of communication and evacuation support affects everybody, said King “the province’s Public Inquiries Act is meant to investigate matters of public interest.”
The chiefs called upon both Premier Ford and Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont to hold a public inquiry into how the province handles wildfires.
A public inquiry and independent review, King said, “should examine operational decision making, emergency coordination, communications with First Nations, evacuation planning and execution, resource allocation, and overall provincial preparedness.”
He continued that the chiefs believe the responsibility of emergency response should be transitioned from the MNR to the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
“The federal government has a responsibility here, too. We won’t accept any jurisdictional dispute. In the year 2026, how could this happen? More importantly, how do we make sure this never happens again?” said King.
“The concern is not just employees who continue to work under extremely difficult conditions, but senior leadership is also responsible for policy,” said King. “The discussion should therefore be framed as a province-wide issue requiring systemic improvements, rather than focusing solely on one First Nation.”
Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict explained that First Nations on-reserve are the responsibility of the federal government. However, for emergency situations Ottawa contracts the provincial government to respond.
What that means is that the federal government funds the response, but it is up to the province to make decisions on their behalf. Benedict alleges that, in emergency situations, the province will respond to Ontarians off-reserve first, as they are just a “service provider” for First Nations.
He continued that jurisdictional barriers need to come down and that First Nation leaders need to be at the table where decisions are made.
“Any community can request assistance from the province to evacuate,” said Bradley, the MNR’s spokesperson. “In circumstances where the fire is moving too quickly, communities may make the choice to self-evacuate. Once evacuated, our government, in collaboration with Indigenous Services Canada, ensures communities have wrap-around support available including accommodation, food and health services.
“We are in constant contact with First Nations communities and have taken action to improve coordination this fire season, including requesting assistance from the Federal government, to speed up evacuations and supports.”
The MNR meets year-round with First Nations on wildfire preparedness, he added, and an after-action review occurs after each wildfire season.
“Our government will work with any community who needs assistance and we will spare no expense in fighting these fires and in ensuring supports are available for families evacuating,” he said.
Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles attended the press conference and where she called the Ford’s government’s treatment of First Nations and other impacted communities “reprehensible,” adding that what the premier has said about investment in wildfire response and the amount of water bombers in the province “is a lie.”
Newswatch has reached out to the Premier’s Office for comment. – snnewswatch.com
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Remember that First Nations Chiefs are politicians. We all know that politicians’ number one job is to get re-elected. How do you increase your chances of getting re-elected if you are a First Nation Chief? You go after governments and try and squeeze as much money out of them as possible.
Being a First Nation Chief is the easiest job there is. Zero responsibility for the health and security of the people you represent. When the fecal matter eventually hits the fan, just blame the Federal and/or Provincial Governments. Its all the fault of the Feds and Queens Park.
Happens all the time.