ManitobaPimicikamak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba is mourning the sudden loss of Raymond McKay, its longtime fire chief, who officials say was a beloved member of the community and instrumental in keeping people safe during this summer’s devastating wildfires. Fire Chief Raymond McKay remembered for ‘unwavering courage and commitment’ in fighting summer wildfiresDave Baxter · CBC News · Posted: Oct 21, 2025 9:56 PM EDT | Last Updated: 5 hours agoPimicikamak Cree Nation fire chief Raymond McKay speaks to CBC in May 2025. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak said Tuesday that McKay has died. (Sanuda Ranawake/CBC)A northern Manitoba First Nation is mourning the sudden loss of its longtime fire chief, a man officials say was a beloved member of the community and instrumental in keeping people safe during this summer’s devastating wildfires. Pimicikamak Cree Nation Fire Chief Raymond McKay “was a dedicated leader who served his Nation with unwavering courage and commitment,” Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak said in a Tuesday news release, announcing his death.”His efforts during one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in Manitoba’s history were instrumental in protecting lives and property across the region.”Pimicikamak Chief David Monias said in a Tuesday interview that McKay’s death was sudden and unexpected, but no cause of death will be confirmed until after an autopsy is completed. Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias says the community is in shock after McKay’s sudden death. (CBC)Monias said he and many in the community, also commonly referred to as Cross Lake, are still in a state of shock, as McKay, who worked as fire chief for decades, was a cherished member of the community.”He’s been very instrumental in protecting the community, he’s well-known and very active in community events,” Monias said. “Normally he would be the one leading marathon runners or escorting grieving families and their processions. “He was somebody that people looked up to.”McKay’s death comes just months after Pimicikamak Cree Nation dealt with a devastating wildfire season. The entire community of about 7,000, which is located about 530 kilometres north of Winnipeg, was evacuated at the end of May due to the threats from a pair of wildfires, with community members dispersed to hotels and other shelters across Manitoba, and as far away as Niagara Falls, Ont.Monias said McKay played a significant role in keeping both people and property safe as the fires closed in on the community. “It was a well-trained crew that worked with him, and when the wildfires happened he was there,” he said. “While people were fighting the forest fire, he would be doing preventative work to ensure that the community is safe and infrastructure is safe, and houses are safe.”McKay walks through a wooded area that was burned by a fire in early May 2025. The fire chief was instrumental in protecting Pimicikamak during the fires, Monias says. (Sanuda Ranawake/CBC)McKay is being mourned not just in the community, but across the province and the country, Monias said. “He had a lot of friends out here that are really missing him, and not only was he well-known in Cross Lake, but he was well known within the firefighters across Canada.”Monias said he is also grieving the loss of a good friend in McKay. It’s too early to start thinking about who will replace him in the role of fire chief, as many are left in shock following his death, said Monias.”It’s hard to even start to comprehend that we need to do that,” he said.”It’s hard to replace someone that you know so well, and has been on the job for such a long time, and who you had a relationship with as a friend.”Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, which represents First Nations in northern Manitoba, said no date for a funeral has been set yet, but there are plans in the works for a firefighter parade-style procession at McKay’s funeral service, which the organization says would symbolize the “strength and sacrifice of those who serve.”Details of the funeral service will be shared with the public as soon as they are confirmed, MKO said.ABOUT THE AUTHORDave Baxter is an award-winning reporter and editor currently working for CBC Manitoba. Born and raised in Winnipeg, he has also previously reported for the Winnipeg Sun and the Winnipeg Free Press, as well as several rural Manitoba publications.
Longtime Pimicikamak Cree Nation fire chief remembered for ‘unwavering courage’ in wildfire fight
