In the wake of widespread power outages across northwestern Ontario, aid organizations are stepping in to help First Nations communities suffering from severe food spoilage.

The outages, which began last weekend, were triggered when wildfires damaged hydro poles connected to the Wataynikaneyap Power line. The disruption impacted at least six First Nations: Pikangikum, North Spirit Lake, Keewaywin, Deer Lake, Sandy Lake, and Poplar Hill.

With refrigeration systems down, large quantities of perishable food were lost in homes and stores. Only Sandy Lake and Deer Lake had limited access to backup diesel fuel for emergency power.

“Food is already expensive — painfully so,” said Pikangikum First Nation Chief, speaking to CBC. “Now, families are facing even greater challenges.”

Aid organizations are now racing to deliver food, fuel, and essential supplies to the affected communities, many of which are accessible only by air. The crisis highlights the growing vulnerabilities of remote Indigenous populations amid climate-related disasters and infrastructure gaps.