A traditional dancer performs at Folklorama’s DOTC First Nations Pavilion at the University of Winnipeg’s Riddell Hall in August 2013. (TED GRANT / CHRISD.CA FILE)
WINNIPEG — The First Nations Pavilion will not participate in the 2025 Folklorama Festival as Manitoba’s wildfire crisis continues to displace residents and strain communities.
Neemu-Egwah Inc., the pavilion’s sponsoring organization, says its efforts must shift to supporting evacuees affected by the ongoing state of emergency.
“In this moment, it is essential that space, safety, and extra care be given to those most affected,” said executive director Buffy Handel.
As part of broader emergency response efforts, the Brazilian Pavilion will now move from Week One (August 3–9) to Week Two (August 10–16) and relocate to the second floor of the RBC Convention Centre’s north building to accommodate evacuee sheltering needs.
“While we’re disappointed that the First Nations Pavilion won’t be part of our Festival this year, we stand with them in their decision. The wildfire situation is having a tremendous impact on our neighbours and the well-being of those affected must come first,” said Folklorama executive director Teresa Cotroneo, in a statement.
