Home Community Community Rallies to Support First Nation Wildfire Evacuees

Community Rallies to Support First Nation Wildfire Evacuees

July 21, 2026

Subscribe Now

By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley

As wildfires continue to force evacuations across northern Ontario, the community is rallying once again to provide essential supplies and comfort to First Nations people through the Together We Care Donation Drive, led by Jared Big Canoe of Big Canoe Indigenous Market.

He says, “We put out the call, and after 24 hours, the back room where we hold workshops was completely full. I took a couple of truckloads to the evacuees already, and today, July 20, I had to rent a U-Haul! It is already full and people are still bringing donations.”

Big Canoe estimates that at least two full U-Haul loads of supplies will be delivered within a couple of days to evacuees.

The drive is accepting toiletries, diapers, hygiene products, clothing, toys, easy-to-prepare food. Also gift cards for grocery stores or places like Tim Hortons are greatly appreciated.

“This year the fires are affecting many more First Nation communities. It seems like four times as much as previously,” he says. “Last year, when the evacuees came to southern Ontario and we put out a call for donations, I took my truck 6 or 8 times, fully loaded, to various hotels in Barrie, Toronto, and other locations. We also provided mental health support by offering ceremonies and cooking traditional food so people would feel a little more at home. We did anything we could to comfort them.“

Those efforts helped establish relationships with organizations supporting evacuees, making it easier to respond quickly this time.

The generosity of local residents has extended beyond donated goods. Volunteers have also stepped forward to help sort and pack donations.

“People have been showing up at the store asking how they can help. I put a call out on Facebook saying, ‘Come help us pack,’ and they’ve been lending a hand. It’s been amazing to see the community come together,” he says.

The emergency response has even delayed other business plans. Although Big Canoe was preparing to open a second Indigenous Market location at Erin Mills Town Centre in Mississauga, he has put those plans on hold.

“Right now, helping these families comes first,” he says.

Donations can be dropped off at Big Canoe Indigenous Market, 26102 Highway 48, Sutton. Phone: (249) 733-7164. You can also contact him on Big Canoe Indigenous Market Facebook.