First Nations pavilion backs out of Folklorama because of wildfires
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The First Nations pavilion has withdrawn from this year’s Folklorama festival because of the impact wildfires are having on Indigenous communities.
Buffy Handel, executive director of Neemu-Egwah, the pavilion’s sponsoring organization, said in Folklorama news release that the decision was a difficult one.
“With the province in a state of emergency, Neemu Egwah’s focus must shift to supporting those who have been displaced by the wildfires. Many evacuees are carrying the weight of trauma after being forced to leave their homes. In this moment, it is essential that space, safety and extra care be given to those most affected,” Handel said in the release.
JOHN WOOD / FREE PRESS FILES
A performer at the First Nations pavilion at Folklorama in August 2012. The festival announced Wednesday that the pavilion has withdrawn from the 2025 festivcal.
Folklorama executive director Teresa Cotroneo said it’s disappointing the pavilion won’t be part of the festival this year but stands by the decision.
“The wildfire situation is having a tremendous impact on our neighbours, and the well-being of those affected must come first,” she said in the release.
The pavilion was set to open on the second floor of the RBC Convention Centre’s north building on Aug. 10, during the second week of the festival.
Wildfire evacuees are staying at an emergency shelter at that location, among other places.
The Brazilian pavilion had been scheduled to be held on the third floor of the centre’s south building on Week 1 but has been postponed to Week 2. It is also moving to where the Indigenous pavilion was to open.
“Since learning of the province’s needs for the RBC Convention Centre, we’ve worked closely with the Brazilian pavilion’s organizers to ensure they could remain part of this year’s festival,” Cotroneo said. “Moving to a different week comes with logistical challenges, and we’re incredibly grateful for their flexibility. We’ll continue to support them every step of the way.”
A provincewide state of emergency — the second of the season — is in effect until Aug. 8. As of Monday, 840 beds were being used at four Winnipeg wildfire shelters.
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca
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Updated on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 2:24 PM CDT: Fixes typo