
Helen Paavola
Helen Paavola is the Chief of Collins First Nation, a community that has been severely affected by recent wildfires in Northern Ontario. As the leader of her community, she has been at the forefront of the response to the crisis, declaring a state of emergency and coordinating efforts to provide support for residents who were forced to evacuate with little more than the clothes on their backs. Paavola's urgent appeals for assistance from provincial and federal governments underscore the challenges her community faces during this devastating natural disaster.
Country presence
Recent news mentions
Collins First Nation Chief Helen Paavola said her community was left to evacuate without notice and support.
Aerial photos show First Nation devastation as wildfires scorch Ontario’s northChief Helen Paavola, of the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, has said her community had to decide for themselves to get out, using boats to get across the lake from their community, which has been entirely wiped out.
First Nations chiefs demand public inquiry, resignations over Ontario’s wildfire responseHelen Paavola, the chief of Namaygoosisagagun, had made inquiries to the federal government in the days leading up to the fire.
We received no alert, say leaders of First Nations communities razed by Canadian wildfires | CanadaNamaygoosisagagun First Nation Chief Helen Paavola called for evacuation help before fire destroyed her community.
Wildfires continue to rage across Canada as smoke eases in eastern citiesChief Helen Paavola of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation looks at video footage that shows the damage to her community.
Canada-U.S. deal on Gordie Howe bridge, WestJet flight attendants vote to strike and Ontario wildfires disrupt rail service: Must-read business and investing storiesCollins First Nation Chief Helen Paavola is photographed at a hotel in Thunder Bay.
Evacuees of wildfires in northwestern Ontario recall harrowing escapesChief Helen Paavola expressed her relief when she learned that all community members were safe during the evacuation.
Canada wildfires: An entire Indigenous community forced to fleeHelen Paavola is the chief of the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation who reported her community was devastated by wildfires.
Incendios forestales en Canadá deterioran la calidad del aire y afectan a Nueva York antes de la final del MundialChief Helen Paavola said she called the Ministry of Natural Resources for evacuation assistance before the flames overtook the town.
Ford defends Ontario’s wildfire response as smoke blankets central Canada, Eastern U.S.The chief of the Namaygoosisagagun community, Helen Paavola, stated that their community was 'burned to the ground'.
Dim iz kanadskih gozdnih požarov poslabšuje kakovost zraka tudi v ZDAChief Helen Paavola was in Thunder Bay, about to board a flight to Ottawa to attend the Assembly of First Nations summer gathering.
Why did Collins First Nation members have to be ‘their own heroes’ amid wildfire?Collins First Nation Chief Helen Paavola described the emergency situation as some community members fled on boats.
Northern Ontario wildfires devastate First Nation communities and prompt evacuations










































