THUNDER BAY — Less than a week after Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, north of Thunder Bay, Ont.,burned down, another First Nations the area in the region has also been ravaged by wildfire.
Whitewater Lake First Nation is about 70 kilometres north of Armstrong and 250 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. The Anishinaabe the region is considered a non-status First Nation, but it belongs to the Windigo First Nations Council. The area largely consists of seasonal camps and is only accessible six months a year by floatplane.
There are no full-time residents living there. Chief Pauline Drake confirmed much of the community's homes, personal belongings and vital infrastructure have been lost, as nearly 200 wildfires continue to rage across the province. "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.
Northwestern Ontario's latest on wildfires: 139 now actively burning across the region Air quality expected to improve for Thunder Bay, but worsen for surrounding areas this week Drake noted the situation has made her feel helpless at times, but she's grateful to all the firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect the region.
"I don't know how the wildlife is now. That's very concerning because they were part of our upbringing there." "These wildfires have not only impacted our First Nation communities but also the tourist outfitters, all the camp owners, the private ones, all our friends and allies all across Ontario and Canada." Alvin Fiddler is grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), a political-territorial organization that represents 49 First Nations across Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 territory. "We will do everything we can to support them in rebuilding their the region," Fiddler stated. Northwestern Ontario's latest on wildfires: 139 now actively burning across the region Air quality expected to improve for Thunder Bay, but worsen for surrounding areas this week Drake noted the situation has made her feel helpless at times, but she's grateful to all the firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect the region. "Forest fires — it's Mother Nature's way, right? You cannot stop it. It doesn't discriminate against anybody," she confirmed. With more than 1,800 wildfire evacuees across the province, Fiddler is advocating for a more co-ordinated approach from the provincial and federal governments to manage evacuations and support those who have been displaced. Leaders of First Nations hit by Ontario wildfires speak out about way climate crises are handled Hundreds of Eabametoong First Nation members evacuated as northern Ontario wildfire tally grows Duringa visit to the Lakehead on Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford noted his government will "do and spend whatever it takes to protect people from these devastating wildfires." In Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that "this is one of the most intense wildfire seasons in Canadian history due to extreme heat waves and record-breaking dry conditions." "Canada is mobilizing more than 5,000 firefighters and nearly 300 waterbombers, helicopters, and evacuation aircraft to contain, control, and mitigate the fires,”Carney confirmed in a Facebook post on Sunday. "It's an enormous, complex effort that ultimately depends on dedicated and brave individuals who work relentlessly to keep Canadians safe." TheHope for Wellness Helplineprovides immediate, toll-free telephone and online chat-based emotional support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people in Canada. This service is available 24/7 in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut. Sarah Law is a CBC News reporter based in Thunder Bay, Ont., and has also worked for newspapers and online publications elsewhere in the province. Have a story tip? You can reach her at sarah.law@cbc.ca. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered onCBC Gem..
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📍 Source: CBC News Thunder Bay · By: CBC News Staff · 🗓️ July 23, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
