The Missanabie Cree First Nation is making progress in establishing a specialized Indigenous evacuation facility on its traditional lands in northern Ontario, set to be operational this spring. Chief Jason Gauthier announced that the center, situated approximately 340 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie, will feature 360 rooms and have the capacity to accommodate up to 600 individuals displaced by emergencies like wildfires and floods. In typical situations, displaced individuals are forced to seek lodging in distant hotels away from their communities, often in urban areas such as Niagara Falls and Barrie in southern Ontario.
For example, residents of Kashechewan First Nation had to evacuate their community in response to a drinking water emergency in January, resulting in over 1,000 people relocating to Niagara Falls. Gauthier emphasized that the Missanabie Cree’s evacuation facility will provide a comforting environment for evacuees that respects their cultural heritage. He highlighted that while the center may not offer all the amenities of an urban setting, it will provide a familiar “reserve feeling” sought after by many Indigenous nations during evacuations.
The shelter will be equipped with a commercial kitchen, classrooms, and spaces for cultural events. Originally slated for completion in 2024, the project faced delays due to funding challenges and harsh winter conditions, according to Gauthier. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the facility would be ready by the year’s end. The Missanabie Cree secured over $50 million in federal funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to finalize the development. When reached for comment, ISC mentioned that further information on projects and funding allocations would be disclosed in collaboration with partners at a later date.