Miiyah Paavola

Miiyah Paavola is a member of the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation in northwestern Ontario, who recently experienced a harrowing evacuation from her home due to nearby wildfires. On July 13, she and several other community members were forced to flee from the encroaching flames, witnessing the destruction of their community as they escaped by boat. Miiyah’s account highlights the rapid escalation of the wildfire threat and the emotional turmoil faced by Indigenous communities during such disasters.