Peguis First Nation uses its disaster expertise to help northern Manitoba fire evacuees [Video]

When news broke that a massive evacuation was needed to protect people from wildfire, Peguis First Nation stepped up. 

The First Nation converted its multiplex — home to the Peguis Juniors hockey team — into an emergency shelter for up to 300 people. It was more than half-full this past weekend.

Located in Manitoba’s Interlake, Peguis First Nation has repeatedly been flooded. Last month, a local state of emergency was declared after wildfires destroyed homes and heavy smoke put members’ health at risk.  

“People from other communities stepped up, they helped us, we appreciated that. We couldn’t have done it without them, so we’re just trying to reciprocate. We’re trying to give back to the people from up north,” Chief Stan Bird told CBC News.

The Peguis chief and council decided to take …