First Nations pavilion withdraws from Folklorama

Folklorama's First Nations Pavilion is seen in an undated image. (Neemu Egwah)

Folklorama is losing one pavilion next month due to the ongoing wildfire situation in Manitoba.

The organization announced Wednesday that Neemu-Egwah Inc., the organizers of the First Nations pavilion, have withdrawn from the festival this year.

“With the province in a state of emergency, Neemu-Egwah’s focus must shift to supporting those who have been displaced by the wildfires,” executive director Bffy Handel said in a news release. “Many evacuees are carrying the weight of trauma after being forced to leave their homes.

“In this moment, it is essential that space, safety and extra care be given to those most affected.”

In addition to the loss of the First Nations pavilion, Folklorama announced a change to another pavilion due to wildfire response efforts. The Brazilian pavilion will move from the week of Aug. 3 to 9 to the week of Aug. 10 to 16 due to the RBC Convention Centre being used as an emergency shelter for evacuees.

The pavilion will also move from the third floor of the convention centre’s south building to the second floor of the north building.

Folklorama runs throughout Winnipeg from Aug. 3 to 16.