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NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION OKEMAWIN
ORDER IN COUNCIL (OTASOWEWIN)

Date: July 7, 2025
Number: OIC‑007‑2025‑E

Authorized by: Chief and Council

READ/DOWNLOAD THE PDF of the OIC

Effective on July 6, 2025, at 1:30 pm

WHEREAS

1. Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) is currently under imminent threat due to three active wildfires surrounding the community, resulting in thick smoke and hazardous air quality.
2. NCN has only one road in and out, which is now at risk of closure due to encroaching fires. This presents a serious and immediate threat to the safety and lives of our citizens.
3. On July 6, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., Chief and Council of NCN officially declared a State of Emergency in response to these urgent and life-threatening conditions.
4. NCN’s Personal Care Home (PCH) currently houses 24 residents, including:
   • 4 who are bed-bound
   • 5 who require walkers
   • 15 who use wheelchairs

These individuals require high levels of medical care and cannot be safely evacuated without properly resourced and coordinated efforts.

5. The Canadian Red Cross has refused to assist with evacuating the PCH, citing a lack of staff capacity, leaving NCN solely responsible for the care and evacuation of our most vulnerable Elders.
6. Chief and Council have determined that all Priority 1, 2, and 3 individuals must be evacuated as soon as possible, including:
   • Elders
   • Those with chronic or terminal illnesses (e.g., respiratory, cardiac)
   • Medically fragile persons
   • Infants and newborns
   • Pregnant people
   • Individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities

7. NCN has made it clear that congregate shelters, such as sports domes or gymnasiums, are not acceptable. These facilities are not suitable for people who require medical care, privacy, quiet, and culturally safe spaces.
8. NCN strongly affirms the importance of keeping our people together during evacuation, with support from NCN’s own security team and emergency personnel to ensure safety, dignity, and continuity of care.
9. If adequate accommodations cannot be found within Manitoba, evacuation to out-of-province facilities is both authorized and encouraged.

ORDER

1. State of Emergency Confirmed
   The State of Emergency declared by NCN Chief and Council on July 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. remains in full effect.

2. Immediate Evacuation of Priority Individuals
   All Priority 1, 2, and 3 citizens must be evacuated without delay, with immediate priority given to PCH residents and other medically vulnerable individuals.

3. Prohibition on Congregate Shelters
   • No NCN evacuees are to be placed in congregate shelters unless they meet medical accommodation standards.
   • All evacuees must be relocated to safe, secure, and private facilities with access to medical care and culturally appropriate supports.

4. Evacuation Coordination
   • NCN personnel, including security, medical, and emergency staff, will oversee all evacuation operations.
   • All government partners must coordinate directly with NCN’s Emergency Management Team.

5. Out-of-Province Evacuation Authorized
   If safe and suitable facilities cannot be secured within Manitoba, evacuation to other provinces is authorized immediately.

6. Accountability of ISC and Other Partners
   • ISC, the Province of Manitoba, and all relevant agencies are legally and morally obligated to assist without delay.

7. Duration
   This Order shall remain in effect until amended or revoked by NCN Chief and Council.

AUTHORITY

This Order is issued pursuant to:

• Othasowewin (NCN Constitution), 2017, c. O‑1
• Emergency Measures Law, c. E‑1, 2020

Chief and Council have full authority to protect the health, safety, and lives of NCN citizens.

READ/DOWNLOAD THE PDF of the OIC

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