Services for Fort Simpson Evacuees in Yellowknife
The Yellowknife Multiplex is providing basic accommodation, food, recreation and programming. Upon registration at the Multiplex, staff at the reception centre will provide you with a neon green colored wristband. This wristband grants access to the Multiplex for access to cots, meals, and showers.
For more information, see the City of Yellowknife website.
All personal accommodations outside of the evacuation centres are at the expense and responsibility of the individual and are not eligible for reimbursement.
Food
The Salvation Army will provide food to evacuated Fort Simpson residents at the Yellowknife Multiplex.
Evacuees must register at the reception desk and get a wristband to access meals.
Donations
The City of Yellowknife is encouraging monetary donations to support evacuees through the Salvation Army.
Evacuees from Fort Simpson will be able to pickup their letter mail at the Yellowknife Post Office located at 4902 Franklin Ave starting July 7, 2026.
Services for Wrigley Evacuees in Fort Smith
Evacuees must register at the band office and will get further instruction from there. For updates go to the Community Facebook page.
When you arrive in Fort Smith register at the Fort Smith Centennial Arena at 13 Rupert Ave. There will be a place to sleep, food and people ready to help for as long as you need to be here.
For more information, see the Town of Fort Smith website.
All personal accommodations outside of the evacuation centres are at the expense and responsibility of the individual and are not eligible for reimbursement.
Food
Meals are now provided through a voucher system with participating restaurants. Registered evacuees can pick up their voucher at the Pelican Rapids Inn and are able to get breakfast lunch and dinner at the following participating restaurants:
- Aunties Korner Store
- Anna's Home Cooking
- Berro's Pizzeria
- Pelican Restaurant
- Nsixty/JavaPunks
Donations
General donations are not being accepted. Specific requests may be made and posted in the Fort Smith Community Bulletin Board.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Community & Recreation Centre at +1 (867) 872-8228
Evacuees from Wrigley will be able to pickup their letter mail at the Fort Smith Post Office located at 149 McDougal Road. Pickup is not yet available. We'll update this page with more information when it becomes available.
Services and information for all evacuees
For all evacuees who might require evacuee supports, it is important to go to the designated host community, Yellowknife for Fort Simpson Evacuees and Fort Smith for Wrigley evacuees. Going to the designated host community allows for effective continuity of service as well as having accurate numbers so that resources are allocated based on need.
Emergency Evacuation Relief Program
Residents can apply to the Emergency Evacuation Relief Program (EERP) for a one-time payment to help with the costs associated with their evacuation, such as accommodation needs and everyday expenses such as groceries, gas, and other essentials. Fort Simpson residents receiving income assistance are eligible for the (EERP).
Evacuees do not have to go to the evacuation centre to apply for the EERP. Evacuated residents are encouraged to apply online.
Income Assistance
Income Assistance recipients from Fort Simpson and Wrigley who received Income Assistance during the month of June 2026 and are affected by wildfires, will be issued the Emergency Allowance benefits.
The rate of emergency allowance is:
- $500 for single applicants
- $1,000 for families
If you do not have direct deposit, please contact the Service Centre to let them know where you are so we can make alternative arrangements.
- Fort Simpson: contact the North Slave Service Centre at 867-767-9356 (1-866-768-8145 toll free)
- Wrigley: contact the South Slave Service Centre at 867-872-7425 (1-833-926-2110 toll free)
Health Care
If you do not have your health care card or NIHB details with you, you will still be able to access care. Staff at NTHSSA primary care sites, clinics, health centres, and hospitals can confirm your information and help you get the services or medications you need.
Please visit NTHSSA Services and Supports in Evacuee Host Communities for detailed information on services and supports. For general health advice, call 8-1-1 or 1-844-259-1793 to speak with a Registered Nurse.
In Yellowknife:
- For urgent health care, call 911 or present to the Emergency Department at Stanton Territorial Hospital at 548 Byrne Road.
- The NTHSSA is providing health and social service navigation services at the Multiplex between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. You can also find more information on the NTHSSA website.
- Nurses from Fort Simpson are in Yellowknife and available to support your health care needs. This means you can continue connecting with members of your regular care team while you are displaced from your home. Call 867-695-3232 to reach your community nurses directly or you can contact Yellowknife Primary Care at 867-767-9294 and ask to be connected to the Fort Simpson Community Health Nursing Team.
- Fort Simpson evacuees are encouraged to visit Health Services in the Yellowknife Region for Primary Care services.
In Fort Smith
- For urgent care in Fort Smith, call 911 or present to the Fort Smith Health Centre at 41 Breynat Street.
- Information on same-day counselling services, midwifery, medication refills, and mobility supports is available on the NTHSSA website.
- Community drop-in events will be hosted at the Health Centre Wall Tent on July 2 and July 3 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with light refreshments provided.
Mental Health
Being evacuated from your home community is stressful. Mental health navigation for yourself or someone you care about is available at the designated evacuee reception centre at the Multiplex. eMental Health resources, crisis line information, and details on available services are available at NTHSSA Mental Health Resources and Supports.
Many remote supports are available:
- 811 – Call 24/7 for mental health navigation and supports for yourself or someone you care about.
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868, Or text CONNECT to 686868
- Canada Suicide Prevention Service 1-833-456-4566
- First Nation and Inuit Hope For Wellness (Indigenous Support line): 1-855-242-3310
- Online chat
- Online supports
- Climate and Eco Anxiety Information and Supports
Child and Family Services
Child and Family Services staff will be at the designated evacuee reception centres to provide navigation services. If you need to contact Child and Family Services, please call
- In Yellowknife: 867-695-6585.
- In Fort Smith: 867-621-1122
During this time of increased stress for families, children and youth have the potential of being at greater risk of harm. Anyone who suspects child maltreatment and neglect has a responsibility to report these concerns to their local Child and Family Services office.
Services are unavailable in evacuated communities
The Village of Fort Simpson has shared a Community Notice for residents still in Fort Simpson - Due to disruptions to emergency operations and safety concerns, access to local infrastructure for people not helping with the emergency incident must be restricted further.
Many services in evacuated communities, including health and social services, are limited or not available.
The Fort Simpson Health Centre is closed except for emergency medical service for firefighting personnel and official emergency responders only through the NTHSSA's Wildfire Paramedic team. This team will remain on-site as long as conditions permit, as determined by the local Incident Command. The Wrigley Health Cabin is closed, which means there are no health services available in the community.
A reminder that emergency responders may not be able to reach you in evacuated communities if it is unsafe or if they do not know you need help. Please follow evacuation orders to protect your health and safety. Residents who choose to remain in evacuated communities do so at their own risk.
Program and service changes
Victim services in Fort Simpson and Wrigley
Victim Services can provide services remotely. Responses may be delayed as staff are assisting with the evacuation.
Contact: 867-695-3136 or VicServices@LiidliiKue.com
Probations services in Fort Simpson and Wrigley
Probation Services has implemented telephone reporting for offenders currently on Probation in the community.
Contact: 867-874-6472 or 1-877-804-6272 (toll-free).
Housing NWT’s Nahendeh District Office and Fort Simpson Housing Authority
Housing NWT’s Nahendeh District Office is closed while Fort Simpson remains under evacuation order. Fort Simpson Housing Authority (FSHA) staff are also temporarily unavailable. FHSA also acts as the local housing authority for Wrigley, Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte, and Sambaa K’e.
Residents of Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte or Sambaa K’e who need assistance with social housing or any Nahendeh district residents needing assistance with homeownership programs should contact Housing NWT’s South Slave District Office until further notice.
• Phone: (867) 874-7600
• Email: SSDO@gov.nt.ca
Income security programs
If you need assistance or have questions regarding any Income Security Programs, including income assistance:
- Residents of Fort Simpons, contact the North Slave Service Centre at 1-866-768-8145
- Residents of Wrigley, contact the South Slave Service Centre at 1-833-926-2110