Pimicikamak Cree Nation struggles to feed 800 wildfire evacuees in Winnipeg as delays in provincial aid and hotel meal gaps persist.
Evacuees Left Covering Own Meals
Pimicikamak Cree Nation says it’s been forced to shoulder the cost of feeding over 800 wildfire evacuees now staying in Winnipeg due to inconsistent meal support. Edgar Spence, displaced from his northern Manitoba community, has moved between three hotels and covered food expenses out of pocket for his family. While some hotels provide meals, he says it hasn’t been consistent or sufficient.
Emergency Response Systems Stretched Thin
Since wildfires displaced more than 21,000 Manitobans in recent weeks, the Canadian Red Cross has coordinated emergency accommodations that include meals. However, with Winnipeg’s hotels nearing full capacity, evacuees have also been placed in campgrounds and private lodgings where meal support is limited or unavailable. This has resulted in Pimicikamak paying for catered meals to fill the gap.
Community Resources Near Breaking Point
Chief David Monias and incident commander Ryan Castel say that while the Red Cross has started taking over meal costs, the process has been slow. Pimicikamak has been covering daily catering for hundreds and placing evacuees in hotel rooms at their own expense. Castel warns the community is running out of funds and that some evacuees are going without meals.
Cultural Needs and Meal Suitability Overlooked
Even where food is provided, Castel says many options include ingredients that are unfamiliar or unsuitable to evacuees. As a result, some individuals—especially elders—are skipping meals, compounding stress and health concerns during displacement.
Aid Delays Frustrate Displaced Families
The Manitoba government announced last week it would provide per diem payments of $34 for adults and $27 for children. However, evacuees say they have yet to receive the funds. This delay has further strained families already managing out-of-pocket expenses in an unfamiliar city.
Official Statements Offer Reassurance
Christine Stevens, assistant deputy minister for Manitoba Emergency Management, insists evacuees are getting “adequate meals” daily through hotels and shelters partnered with catering services. The Canadian Red Cross echoed this, adding that full support depends on evacuees registering with the organization.
Uncertainty Lingers Over Return Plans
As officials assess wildfire risk and logistics, there’s still no set date for evacuees to return home. Chief Monias confirmed discussions are ongoing but safety remains the priority. Castel emphasized the emotional toll: “A lot of our people are suffering. They’re lonely. We need to get our people home as soon as we can.”
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