The Whitewater Lake First Nation has published photographs showing the damage caused to their community by wildland fires.
In a statement, the First Nation’s Chief, Pauline Drake stated that “homes, personal belongings, and vital community infrastructure have been lost. The lands that hold the graves of ancestors and recently departed family members have also been impacted, deepening the grief felt by community members.”
“While no words can adequately express the magnitude of this loss, the Whitewater Lake community remains steadfast in its identity and strength,” reads the statement. “As resilient Anishinaabe people, community members will draw upon the wisdom, courage, and enduring spirit of their ancestors to guide them through this difficult time and toward rebuilding.”
The Chief is calling on the provincial and federal governments to “stand with everyone in the recovery and rebuilding process,” and to publicly acknowledge the trauma, loss, and displacement of communities impacted by the fires.
