Residents of Thunder Bay are learning that First Nation chiefs from northwestern Ontario are calling for a public inquiry into the provincial government’s response to the region's wildfires, which have resulted in more than a dozen evacuations.
At a media conference hosted by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) at the Superior Inn Hotel and Conference Centre in Thunder Bay on Tuesday, Gull Bay First Nation’s Chief Wilfred King noted "the lack of communication and evacuation support should horrify all Canadians, and our the region was on its own." "In the year 2026, how could this happen? More importantly, how do we make sure this never happens again? That's what an inquiry must answer." There are more than 2,400 wildfire evacuees staying in host communities across the province.Namaygoosisagagun First NationandWhitewater Lake First Nationhave both been completely destroyed by wildfires in the past week. King remarked the public inquiry should examine operational decision-making, critical incident co-ordination, communications with First Nations, evacuation planning and execution, resource allocation and overall provincial preparedness. He remarked chiefs are also calling for leadership changes within the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) — though he noted the chiefs recognize the efforts of those on the front lines, including firefighters and crisis personnel.
"The concern is not with employees who continue to work under extremely difficult conditions, but with senior leadership responsible for policy, planning, oversight and decision making," King shared. In response to misgivings from First Nation leaders on Tuesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared "we have constant communication." "Now, keep in mind, on-reserve is a federal responsibility. Ontario's taking the lead on this. I'm gonna repeat this: on reserve, the feds have the responsibility to take care of First Nations, but we're taking care of them," Ford shared on Tuesday ahead ofprovincial and territorial leaders' annual summer meeting, held in Charlottetown.
"Canada is mobilizing more than 5,000 firefighters and nearly 300 waterbombers, helicopters, and evacuation aircraft to contain, control, and mitigate the fires." Chief Lawrence Wanakamik of Whitesand First Nation declared his people are afraid of what's happened to their homes.
“We're doing everything we possibly can. We have 155 fire crews out there, close to 8,900 wildland firefighters going out. It's well organized in Thunder Bay.” King stated that while the federal government also bears responsibility, "we won't accept any jurisdictional disputes." NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler agreed, while also bringing up the two governments' focus on the Ring of Fire, saying:"In their haste to extract our resources in our territories, both Ontario and Canada are ignoring the immediate threats our communities are facing because of climate change." Fiddler noted increasingly intense storms linked to climate change are making wildfire seasons more severe, resulting in regular evacuations for First Nation people. "Climate change is real; all you have to do is step outside and smell the air," he noted. CBC News is seeking further comments from the provincial and federal governments in response to Tuesday's news conference. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed he met withfederal workers in Ottawa on Sunday who are supporting wildfire response efforts in northwestern Ontario and across the country. "This is one of the most intense wildfire seasons in Canadian history due to extreme heat waves and record-breaking dry conditions," Carneysaid on Facebook. "Canada is mobilizing more than 5,000 firefighters and nearly 300 waterbombers, helicopters, and evacuation aircraft to contain, control, and mitigate the fires." Chief Lawrence Wanakamik of Whitesand First Nation declared his people are afraid of what's happened to their homes. The public wasordered to evacuate July 13; members are staying in Thunder Bay. "We have people here that just want to go home — they're not used to living in the Lakehead. They want to be with the land, whatever land is left behind with all the fire," he indicated. More than 940 evacuees from Eabametoong First Nation, also known as Fort Hope, have been flown to Niagara Falls with support from the Canadian Armed Forces. Eabametoong First Nation's Chief Solomon Atlookan advised his people waited days for help. A 14-year-old girl in the region came up to him to talk about the lack of government response, and asked if it was "another way of the government trying to get rid of Indigenous people." Mobile veterinary clinic set up in Thunder Bay, Ont., for animals affected by wildfires Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, who visited Thunder Bay on Tuesday, advised it’s critical for both levels of government to engage with First Nation leaders. "It just sounds again and again from the conversations I'm having with chiefs, with First Nations members who've been evacuated, that there was no real preparation and no real notice from government — and that they were asking for it," Stiles indicated. Leaders of First Nations hit by Ontario wildfires speak out about way climate crises are handled 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..
Community members are encouraged to stay informed and share this information with friends and family. Following trusted local news sources helps ensure everyone stays up to date with events and announcements affecting Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
🔗 Read the original report from CBC News Thunder Bay
For more local news, weather, sports, events, and community updates across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, visit ThunderBay.Online — your trusted source for everything happening in the region.
📍 Source: CBC News Thunder Bay · By: CBC News Staff · 🗓️ July 22, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
