Chief David Monias says the outage threatens health and safety as Manitoba Hydro crews mobilize

CROSS LAKE, MB – Pimicikamak Cree Nation has declared a State of Emergency for the reserve of Cross Lake due to a widespread and ongoing power outage affecting homes, critical infrastructure, and essential services.

According to the First Nation, the outage is the result of a broken power line about 10 kilometres from Cross Lake, located over the water. Hydro personnel are reportedly en route with equipment to complete repairs.

“The loss of power poses a serious risk to the health and safety of our people,” Chief David Monias said, noting that Elders, children, families, and medically vulnerable residents are among those most impacted.

“Elders, children, families, and medically vulnerable individuals are being impacted by the inability to heat homes, preserve food and medications, access clean water, and maintain reliable communication and emergency services,” Monias said.

Extreme Cold Adds Urgency

The outage is unfolding amid dangerous cold, increasing the risk of exposure for residents without reliable heat.

Weather conditions observed at Jenpeg at 5:00 p.m. CST Wednesday, December 31, 2025 reported a temperature of -28.2°C, with a northwest wind at 10 km/h and a wind chill of -37. Humidity was 74% with pressure 102.8 kPa and falling.

Forecast conditions indicate continued extreme cold:

• Tonight: A few clouds, low -29°C, with wind chill near -42 and risk of frostbite in minutes

• Thu, Jan. 1: Mainly sunny, high -21°C; wind chill -38 in the morning and -32 in the afternoon; risk of frostbite

• Thu night: Partly cloudy, low -25°C; wind chill -37 overnight

• Fri, Jan. 2: A mix of sun and cloud, high -19°C; low -27°C Friday night

Emergency Measures Activated

Chief Monias said the State of Emergency was declared to mobilize resources and immediate support.

“As Chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, I have exercised our inherent and Treaty-based authority to declare this State of Emergency in order to protect our people and mobilize all necessary emergency measures,” he said.

He added that the Nation is activating emergency response protocols, opening warming and support locations, and calling for outside assistance.

“This includes activating emergency response protocols, opening warming and support centres, and requesting immediate assistance from Manitoba Hydro, the Province of Manitoba, and the Government of Canada,” Monias said.

Supports Announced for Residents

The Nation says $50 per person for gas will be provided at the Pimicikamak Gas Bar.

In addition, people with babies have been placed at the Public Works building and at the old nursing station, as officials work to ensure safe, warm shelter options during the outage.

If required, the Nation says Elders and vulnerable residents may be transported to Thompson for hotel accommodations.

Call for Urgent Response

“Our Nation expects an urgent and coordinated response,” Chief Monias said. “The safety and well-being of our citizens must be treated as a priority, not an afterthought.”

“Pimicikamak will continue to take all necessary actions to protect our people until power is fully restored and the risk to public safety has been resolved,” he added.

Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

In Summary

Pimicikamak Cree Nation declares emergency in Cross Lake after major power outage; supports underway.