MKO Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson has praise the services who have assisted communities threatened by a series of forest fires and flooding in the north.  She says that includes first responders, Manitoba Red Cross, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the Province of Manitoba and its water bomber response team, volunteers and most importantly the local leadership.

She explained last week severe flooding affected Tataskweyak Cree Nation and York Landing First Nations on Split Lake and more than 400 northern residents were forced from their homes at Red Sucker Lake due to fire. They are now returning home. In War Lake First Nation residents have been cut off from the rail line due to flooding.

Grand Chief North Wilson says they encourage these efforts to continue and communication maintained to address issues northern First Nations face adding it’s incredibly stressful for those who continue to be displaced and have lack of access to transportation that is vital to their health and basic needs.