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Yukon First Nations Firefighters Say They Haven’t Been Called to Help in B.C.
First Nations crews say international and contract firefighters are being used instead, even as some teams report they have not been called out once.
- On Friday, August 21, 2026, Indigenous fire crews including Yukon First Nations Wildfire reported they are ready to help fight British Columbia wildfires, yet remain sidelined as the province brings in international teams from Mexico and Costa Rica.
- CEO Nick Mauro explained the Canadian wildfire system is designed to transfer government resources rather than independent Indigenous crews, effectively ignoring essential local resources while prioritizing international assistance.
- Yukon First Nations Wildfire argues deploying domestic crews costs less than international alternatives, stating, "Every dollar spent flying in international crews is a dollar that could go straight to the First Nation crews we have standing by."
- Metepenagiag First Nation fire crew lead Madison Levi stated her team has not been called this year, adding, "I know at CIFFC there's no Indigenous representation." She urged creation of an Indigenous liaison officer.
- The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre maintains that hiring decisions rest with individual provincial agencies, though it says it is working with Indigenous partners to address barriers to deployment of Indigenous wildfire resources.
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20 Articles
20 Articles
The Toronto Star+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
Yukon First Nations firefighters say they haven’t been called to help in B.C.
Fire crews with Yukon First Nations Wildfire say they are ready, willing and able to help with out-of-control fires burning in B.C. and are wondering why they haven't received the
·Toronto, Canada
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Winnipeg Free Press+12 Reposted by 12 other sources
Yukon First Nations firefighters say they haven't been called to help in B.C.
Fire crews with Yukon First Nations Wildfire say they are ready, willing and able to help with out-of-control fires burning in B.C. and are wondering why they haven't received the call.
·Winnipeg, Canada
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First Nations wildland fire fighters feeling sidelined while international help fights fires across country
First Nation fire fighters say its frustrating to watch other jurisdictions bringing in international help to fight wildfires while he and his crews are available and want to help.
·Ottawa, Canada
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Total News Sources20
Leaning Left14Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Left
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources lean Left
70% Left
L 70%
C 30%
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