Twice-evacuated Pimicikamak declares state of emergency amid water crisis

A northern Manitoba First Nation reeling from having to deal with wildfires for much of the summer is now grappling with a water crisis.

Pimicikamak Cree Nation — also known as Cross Lake First Nation — where residents began returning last week after their second forced evacuation of the summer, has declared a state of emergency, Chief David Monias said Tuesday.

“Pimicikamak Cree Nation is once again facing a crisis with its aging and failing water treatment system,” Monias wrote in a Facebook post. “The current plant, built decades ago, is archaic and beyond repair. Replacement parts are nearly impossible to find, and repeated breakdowns leave the community at risk. Despite the tireless work of local operators who monitor the system around the clock, the plant cannot keep up with the community’s needs.”

Wildfires forced the entire population of about 7,500 to flee the community, located about 520 kilometres north of Winnipeg, in late May. They were allowed to return home in mid-June, only to have to evacuate a second time in early July when conditions again became dangerous.

Monias is now urging the federal government to intervene, calling on the country to “honour its promises.”

“Access to safe drinking water is not a luxury, it is a basic human right, and it is a treaty right,” he said. “Canada has a fiduciary duty to ensure our people are not forced to live under boil-water advisories or face repeated failures of an archaic system. The federal government must honour its responsibility and act now. When you talk of ‘projects of national interest,’ then deal with this one first.

“Our people should not have to beg for clean water in 2025.”

A boil-water advisory was issued for the community on Aug. 6 and lifted on Aug. 9. A second advisory was put in place on Aug. 13 and remains in effect, according to federal data on short-term drinking-water advisories.

In an emailed statement Tuesday, Livi McElrea, spokesperson for Indigenous Service Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, said Monias and Indigenous Services Canada have an ongoing dialogue, ensuring the safety of his First Nation.

“Our people should not have to beg for clean water in 2025.”– Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias

“Access to water is essential and it is the Government of Canada’s responsibility to ensure that all First Nations have the tools they need to lead,” McElrea said.“Indigenous Services Canada is working with engineers, contractors and leaders to assist in solving the current problems with the community’s water system.

“Minister Gull-Masty has reached out to Chief Monias and is working to meet in the coming weeks and days to discuss the future process for the community.”

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Gull-Masty is expected in Winnipeg later this week.

Monias noted the federal government previously committed funds for a new water-treatment facility but blamed repeated delays — including election cycles — for stalling progress.

He said the community has been told the money is still available, but that’s no longer sufficient.

“Canada must stop making excuses and fulfil its legal and moral obligations to First Nations,” Monias said. “Former prime minister Justin Trudeau promised that every house in Canada would have clean running water by 2030. It is now 2025, and our people are still waiting. These commitments were made under the banner of the Liberal government, and First Nations across the country are holding them accountable.”

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca

Scott Billeck
Reporter

Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press. A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade’s worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024.  Read more about Scott.

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