Wildfires disproportionately impact Canada's indigenous peoples

Wildfires in Canada have caused a disproportionate impact on indigenous populations, according to the latest survey and analytical report released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday.



The report, titled "Wildfire experiences among Indigenous Peoples," noted that indigenous peoples (First Nations, M矇tis and Inuit) represent about 5 percent of Canada's total population. Despite the small share, 42 percent of all wildfire evacuees in 2023 were from communities where more than half the population was indigenous.



Between 1980 and 2021, 16 communities in Canada were evacuated at least five times, 14 of which were First Nations reserves, said the report.