Wildfire smoke blankets Great Lakes tribal communities with hazardous air
Canadian wildfire smoke prompted air quality alerts, service closures and event cancellations across Indigenous communities
Smoke from Canadian wildfires continued to spread across the Great Lakes region, bringing hazardous air quality to tribal communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and parts of New York, according to ICT. Air Quality Index readings exceeded 300 in several communities, with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reporting an AQI of 402 and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reporting levels above 760. The poor air quality prompted closures of tribal services and the cancellation of the Michigan Indian Family Olympics, which had been scheduled for Friday.
Tribal leaders, organizers and community members expressed concern about the health impacts of prolonged smoke exposure. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe said it canceled the Michigan Indian Family Olympics to prioritize community health. ICT also reported that officials encouraged residents to limit outdoor activity, wear KN95 masks when needed and use HEPA air filtration systems if available.
- 1.ICT, .
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