More than 900 wildfires are currently blazing across Canada, and as usual, First Nations are bearing the brunt. Thirteen Nations are under evacuation orders, forcing 2,182 people from their homes. The Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) First Nation watched their entire community go up in smoke in less than an hour, forcing residents to flee by boat - because when your town is inaccessible by road, a wildfire is just the universe's way of saying 'time for a lake trip.'

According to Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, all community members have been accounted for, pending a full assessment. She expressed 'heartfelt sadness' over the devastation, which is about as understated as you can get for a fire that destroyed homes and community buildings without any advance warning from provincial or national officials. Residents went door to door warning neighbors, and more than two dozen escaped by boat as flames approached. Because why would the government warn people about a fast-moving wildfire? That would be proactive.

Of the 903 fires burning as of Friday, 750 remained out of control, and 43 had started in the prior 24 hours. Ontario is particularly hard hit, with seven First Nations fleeing 193 fires. The Chiefs of Ontario are frustrated with bureaucratic processes and lack of communication from government officials. 'Jurisdictional disputes and administrative delays have immediate consequences and put lives at risk,' said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. Yes, nothing says 'emergency response' like quibbling over who pays while homes burn.

Adding insult to injury, the Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) First Nation is not officially recognized by the national government as a First Nation, despite its members being recognized under the Indian Act. This technicality means they're being denied emergency assistance. Lawyer Meaghan Daniel sent a letter to Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty warning that without support, the community may 'lose forever the opportunity to rebuild.' Because nothing says 'reconciliation' like making a community prove it exists while it's literally on fire.

In a statement, agency spokesperson Eric Head said efforts are underway to determine the community's immediate needs. Meanwhile, the Assembly of First Nations passed emergency resolutions calling on the federal government to provide support. The Anishinabek Nation asked for prayers for the community. Prayer is nice, but perhaps some working fire trucks and evacuation plans would be more effective.