Six months after being relocated to a long-term care facility far from his family, Jimmy Spence remains hopeful that his time as an evacuee is coming to an end. The 85-year-old, along with 20 other residents, has been residing in a long-term care facility in Winnipeg since wildfires forced them from their personal care home in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation in July 2025.
Despite the displacement, Spence expressed a longing for his northern home, stating, “We just have to be patient — when the time comes for us to go home, we will go home. I am just looking forward to that.” The evacuation of these vulnerable residents, including individuals with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, was prompted by heavy smoke from wildfires that enveloped the community located approximately 660 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg.
Initially anticipated as a short-term relocation, the stay in Winnipeg has been prolonged due to necessary repairs at the care home in Nisichawayasihk. Jessie Horodecki, the care home’s executive director, mentioned that the repairs are expected to be completed within the next six weeks, allowing residents to return before the end of February.
The aging facility had been deteriorating over its 24 years of use, exacerbated by power outages during the wildfires. Malfunctions in essential systems like door locks and patient call bells posed safety concerns, necessitating urgent repairs. The most critical repairs focused on the damaged floor caused by a malfunctioning walk-in cooler during the power outages.
While the care home staff in Winnipeg has made efforts to create a familiar environment for the evacuees, including maintaining routines and learning Cree phrases, the residents yearn to return home. Despite some advantages, such as improved access to health services, the desire to reunite with family and return to their community remains paramount.
Funding for repairs to the care home has been a point of contention, with the responsibility shifting between provincial and federal authorities. However, as plans are being made for the residents’ return, including necessary medevac arrangements for the most vulnerable individuals, the hope is to expedite the process once the home is deemed safe for occupancy.