First Nation leaders from northwestern Ontario are demanding a public inquiry into the provincial government’s handling of wildfires that have displaced over 2,400 residents.

Gull Bay First Nation’s Chief Wilfred King criticized the lack of communication and evacuation support during the crisis, stating that communities were left 'on their own.' The inquiry would examine operational decisions, emergency coordination, resource allocation, and provincial preparedness.Premier Doug Ford emphasized Ontario’s leadership in wildfire response, citing 155 fire crews and nearly 9,000 firefighters.

However, chiefs argue that systemic failures—such as delayed evacuations and insufficient federal collaboration—have endangered Indigenous communities.

Climate change is highlighted as a worsening factor, with leaders like NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler accusing both Ontario and Canada of prioritizing resource extraction over community safety.

Evacuees from Namaygoosisagagun and Whitewater Lake First Nations face long-term displacement, while some, like Eabametoong residents, waited days for aid.

The CBC reports that the crisis has sparked calls for leadership changes within the Ministry of Natural Resources and greater accountability for both federal and provincial governments.