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Moose Cree First Nation preparing pre-emptive evacuation plan in face
of flood risk

   Kate Rutherford
   | CBC News | Posted: April 16, 2026 10:00 AM | Last Updated:
   April 16

   Chief says people with medical issues, parents and children,
   and elderly are encouraged to consider evacuation

   Image | Moose Cree First Nation

   Caption: Moose Cree First Nation is planning for a pre-emptive
   evacuation due to a rising risk of flood. (Christian
   Noël/Radio-Canada)
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   A risk of flooding is prompting chief and council in Moose Cree
   First Nation to prepare to airlift its most vulnerable citizens
   out of the island community in James Bay later this week.
   It’s a decision that Chief Peter Wesley is making as part of an
   emergency operations control group that includes the local
   services board, MoCreebec, Mushkegowuk Council and the
   Weeneebayko Area Health Authority.
   Wesley said it’s a pre-emptive move for anyone who wants to
   volunteer to leave the community.
   He said the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources has noted
   a record snowfall across the northeast, especially in areas
   that drain directly into the Moose River basin and waterways
   that flow toward the community.

Chief says flooding not typically a problem

   He said given spring break-up is approaching and warmer
   temperatures and possibly rain are in the forecast for the
   coming weeks, there is an elevated risk of flooding.
   It’s not a situation that Wesley has seen often despite living
   on an island.
   Last year, he said they got a taste of high water levels and
   saw the impact on the dyke that protects the southern tip of
   Moose Factory Island.
   “That prevents the water from actually coming on the island,
   and the ice from coming on the island, and to see ice sitting
   on top of it, well, I haven't seen that in a long time,” he
   said. “Actually, I don't think I've ever seen it.”
     * Long-term answers sought for James Bay flooding

     * Evacuees from James Bay heading home as flooding risk
       fades, but remote communities face a cloudy future

   Wesley said he can’t think of a time when the community has
   ever had to evacuate because of flooding.
   People with complex health conditions, mobility issues, with
   children or anyone who would feel safer out of the community in
   case of a flood are encouraged to volunteer for evacuation.
   Everyone in the community must register in case there is a full
   evacuation.
   Wesley said the total population is 4,000 but it’s not clear
   yet how many will be among the first to leave and which
   communities might host them.
   In a statement to CBC, Indigenous Services Canada says it can
   offer support in times of flooding through the Emergency
   Management Assistance Program, should the community request it.
   "ISC officials have been in contact with Moose Cree First
   Nation chief and council and partners to determine what
   supports are needed. We will continue to assist the nation as
   the situation evolves," read the statement.
   Hundreds from another James Bay community, Kashechewan, have
   been on a long-term re-location to areas in the south due to
   the breakdown of the water treatment plant in their community.
     * Kashechewan First Nation in northern Ontario plans
       evacuation of residents due to water plant failure

     * Cryptosporidium confirmed in Kashechewan First Nation water
       treatment plant, 63 test positive for parasite

   That community often also faces a risk of flooding at this time
   of year, but is mainly empty because repairs to the water plant
   haven’t been completed yet.
   Further up the coast in Attawapiskat, Chief Sylvia
   Koostachin-Metatawabin said they are two to three weeks away
   from spring-break up.
   She said they are in the very preliminary stages of making any
   preparations in case of a flood, but are establishing
   protocols, and getting a flood watch committee organized.

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