Fast-moving wildfires are devastating Indigenous and neighboring communities across the Pacific Northwest, from southern British Columbia to eastern Washington. On Okanagan Indian Band territory near Vernon, Chief Dan Wilson said approximately 230 homes were reportedly burned to the ground as the fire moved through the community. “The fire spread so fast that some of our members only had five minutes to evacuate,” Wilson said. Evacuation orders, damaged utilities and unsafe water conditions continue to affect the community as crews assess the full extent of the losses. Across the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, major fires have threatened communities near Nespelem, Inchelium and Lake Roosevelt, forcing evacuations and disrupting power, roads and essential services. Wildfire also engulfed Two Rivers Casino on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Community members have confirmed the building was lost and are grieving a place connected to employment, family memories and t...