Let's All Paint the Sky

HERE IS AN INCOMPLETE LIST OF SPACES OFFERING HELP, COLLECTING DONATIONS, AND ACCEPTING MONETARY DONATIONS FOR HELPING THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES WHO HAVE BEEN DISPLACED BY THE WILD FIRES DECIMATING THEIR HOMELANDS

Thunder Bay, Ontario

•Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA), 1-800-667816, has been collecting physical donations of clothing, medicine, menstraul and infant care products, etc. They have temporarily paused collecting donations, but were looking for volunteers to help sort and disperse what has been collected. They are organizing cultural activities, and have existing programs that are being utilized, and are inviting evacuees to call them if they need help with anything.

•The Eshkiniigjik Naandwechigegamig Aabiish Gaa Binjibaaying Indigeous Youth Agency (aka ENAGB) was collecting hygeine, menstraul, safe sex, harm reduction, and other health products. They also invited the evacuees (aged 12-29) to use their space to keep cool, debrief, connect, and generally feel welcome.

Fort Erie, Ontario

•The Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre was collecing donations, and are currently NOT accepting more as they coordinate with those in need, but are a good place to keep an eye on - the evacuees are likely to need long term support over the next few months.

Toronto, Ontario

•The Eshkiniigjik Naandwechigegamig Aabiish Gaa Binjibaaying Indigeous Youth Agency (aka ENEGAB) was collecting items for their sister site in Thunday Bay, including air purifiers, tents, cell phones, power banks and chargers, art supplies for youth, etc.

They have also put a call out to evacuees who are coming to Toronto that youth (12-29) are welcome to utilize their spaces and programing, and invited families to their drop in programing for ages 0-6.

Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ontario

•The First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) is organizing a donation drive to take place July 20 - 22, from 9am - 4pm. They are collecting new hygeine products, diapers, toys, blankets, pet supplies, gift cards, canes, mobility aides, etc.

Six Nations, Ontario

•Local grassroots support has collected donations of items to take to evacuees who have come to Toronto. The community initiative is next looking at transportation of supplies, storing of items, etc. There have also been calls to organize visits to the community for the annual Champion of Champion's powwow, to provide dinners, drum circles, and other cultural supports.

FOSTERING ANIMAL RESCUES

•Northern Reach Rescue (who normally work with Northern Ontario communities to fly dogs for fostering) has put out a call to rescue organizations across Southern Ontario to partner with their team. They have put out a call for fosters, and they have also created a gofundme.

•Matawa Animal Wellness Services, has been working with local rescues, shelters, and general community to ensure pet supplies are provided to those in need

Montary Donations

•For the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (AKA Collins Lake First Nation, who after taking the initiative to ask after being told there was no danger and they shouldn't have to be evacuated, ended up fleeing by boat within hours, organizing their own rescue efforts for their community) donations are being collected by the Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity. donations are accepted via paypal, mailed in cheques, and via Canada Helps. (Canada Helps will issue tax receipts, and allow the option for monthly donations)

As the Namaygoosisagagun are sheltering in Thunder Bay, donations can all be dropped off in person at the Namaygoosisagagun Health Office, located at 135 Frederica East.

•For the Whitesand First Nation (whom were proportedly told NOT by the Ministry of Natural Resources, but by the provincial police, that they should be evacuated - which they knew they should be, because the community had reached out to the MNR and been told there was no need), you can e-transfer donations to [email protected]. If you would like a tax receipt for this, they ask that you add your full name in the etransfer comment section so they can issue you one.

• Mikinakoos Children's Fund, collecting funds for food, water, clothing and other essentials for evacuees

Other Ways of Supporting

• Support the call from the Chiefs of Ontario, who are urging the Provincial and Federal governments to ACT instead of hemming and hawing over whose jurisdiction it is to help the devastated and displaced communities. This includes collaboration and open communication with the community leaders throughout the recovery efforts.

• Educate yourself and be mindful: why are Indigenous communities disproportionately the ones being displaced by wildfires? What is being done to mitigate these disasters? How effective is the infrastructure in place? Why are the fires getting worse each year? Why is it that some communities "don't qualify" for the supports they need? What, historically, has so many of us with our backs up against a wall when we see this (perceived) failure to prevent and respond?

It should be noted that the Ontario government has DECREASED its funding for fighting wildfires (among other questionable choices) year after year, despite the severity of the fires growing worse with each passing year. Ask your reps why. Demand they do better.

Be an ally. There are people who are making racist comments about evacuees. There are business, in particular hotels, jacking their prices up. There are always people who will do this - hold them accountable.