In both June and July of 2019, Pikangikum First Nation declared a State of Emergency in light of rapidly spreading wild fires that threatened the safety and well-being of its residents. Recognizing the dire need to respond to this threat, the Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA) spearheaded evacuation efforts on both occasions, ensuring safe passage of Pikangikum residents to temporary host cities all over Ontario.

For many years, TAG has served IFNA through marketing and communications services, project management, branding and events. As a trusted partner and consultant of IFNA, TAG was called upon for their crisis management services because of their capacity to meet the needs of any project or challenge, and their willingness to provide services above and beyond that of a regular agency.

During both evacuations, TAG managed Thunder Bay operations including registration, food and lodging, public relations, programs and children’s activities, security, and repatriation. The largest emergency response center during the second evacuation was housed in Thunder Bay. This center was managed by TAG under the direction of Bruno D’Angelo and provided safe shelter for over 900 Pikangikum evacuees for a two week period.

With the health and safety of evacuees at the center of crisis management efforts, TAG handled the emergency with compassion and care. Working side by side with IFNA staff and inspired by IFNA leadership, TAG refused to follow the traditional militaristic and methodical approach to crisis management, and instead approached the crisis with an understanding of the community they were serving.

As one of the greatest challenges ever faced by the TAG team, both IFNA and TAG staff have become better equipped to handle a community crisis in the future.