Whitewater First Nation: Statement from Chief Pauline Drake

THUNDER BAY – It is with profound sadness and an overwhelming sense of loss that Chief Pauline Drake announces the devastation of her beloved community, Whitewater Lake, as a result of the wildfires raging across Northwestern Ontario. This news was only confirmed at 5pm EST on July 18, 2026, when aerial photos were finally available.
Much of the community has been destroyed. Homes, personal belongings, and vital community infrastructure have been lost.
The lands that hold the graves of anc