In a significant move towards self-sufficiency, the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation in Manitoba has purchased its own backup generators after enduring a prolonged evacuation last summer due to wildfires and an extensive power outage. This decision comes in response to what the community perceives as a lack of support from both provincial and federal governments, as well as Manitoba Hydro, the province’s Crown-owned electrical utility.
A Community Left in the Dark
Last summer, over 2,000 residents of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation were forced to evacuate for 128 days due to a wildfire that was exacerbated by a failure in the power supply. The community claims that if backup generators had been available, many of the challenges they faced could have been mitigated.
In a statement, Chief Gordie Bear expressed frustration with the lack of assistance from the government, particularly regarding the urgent need for power restoration. The First Nation has secured private financing amounting to $8 million for the acquisition of these generators, which were intended to facilitate the return of evacuees to their homes.
Government Response and Challenges
Manitoba Hydro has defended its actions during the crisis, stating that logistical issues, including ongoing wildfires and limited rail service, made it impractical to transport and install large generators at that time. The utility noted that it provided consulting services to help the First Nation assess its future energy needs but clarified that it does not participate in cost-sharing for customer-owned power generation.
Peter Chura, a spokesperson for Manitoba Hydro, highlighted the extensive efforts made by their employees to restore power, which included the replacement of 253 structures under challenging conditions. Despite these assurances, the frustrations voiced by the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation reflect a deeper issue regarding the reliability of emergency services for remote communities.
A Call for Action
Chief Bear’s remarks were pointed; he urged provincial authorities to ensure that Manitoba Hydro facilitates the connection of the new generators. “We had to move forward with our own solution for energy security and emergency response,” he stated. “We can’t leave our elders and families and youth and children vulnerable to the harms and damages of another extended power outage and evacuation.”
The situation has drawn attention to the broader implications of energy security for Indigenous communities in Canada, highlighting the need for more robust infrastructure and support systems.
The Bigger Picture
The 2025 wildfire season has been described as one of the worst in Manitoba’s recorded history, displacing thousands of residents and causing widespread disruption. With more than 21,000 Manitobans affected at the height of the crisis, the government faces increasing pressure to improve emergency preparedness and support for vulnerable communities.
Why it Matters
The actions taken by the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation underscore a crucial shift towards self-reliance in the face of inadequate governmental support. As Indigenous communities increasingly seek to establish their own solutions for energy security, this situation raises important questions about the responsibilities of provincial and federal authorities. It also highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure and emergency response protocols to prevent future crises. The resilience demonstrated by the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation may serve as a model for other communities grappling with similar challenges, ultimately pushing for systemic changes in how energy and emergency services are managed in Canada.
