Wildfire Evacuees: Six Months Later, Still Waiting to Go Home

Six months after being evacuated due to wildfires, 21 residents from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation's long-term care facility remain displaced in Winnipeg. The elders, some with cognitive impairments, were forced to leave their northern community in July 2025 because of heavy smoke, expecting a short absence.

The delay stems from significant damage to the care home, exacerbated by power outages during the wildfire. Essential systems malfunctioned, and a damaged cooler led to floor damage, rendering the facility unsafe. Repairs are now projected to conclude within six weeks, with residents aiming to return before the end of February 2026.

While the Winnipeg facility has provided comfort and access to services, the displaced residents and their families long to be home. Funding for the extensive repairs has become a point of contention between the First Nation and provincial and federal governments, delaying the residents' return.