iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Thunder Bay daily runs A1 above the fold a story about our social services agency decrying municipal election candidates for spreading misinformation. An unrelated A1 above-the-fold story explores how residential school denier candidates are the real victims of uncivil discourse.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

About that time Flo Rida poured liquor all over the crowd at Wake the Giant, the sober music event welcoming high school students from fly-in First Nations across far northern Ontario to Thunder Bay.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Thunder Bay Police Service Board has named educator Christy Radbourne as its executive director.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Matawa council is calling on the federal and provincial governments to address the state of emergency Neskantaga First Nation declared on Aug.4. I filed this story from Neskantaga for @ricochetmedia.bsky.social on Aug.10. ricochet.media/indigenous/r...

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Among things that are not a “road to the Ring of Fire,” repaving existing road infrastructure in Aroland First Nation.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

If you haven't checked in with Emo, ON Mayor Harold McQuaker's efforts not to recognize Pride Month, the latest is how he admitted to the integrity commissioner that he pocketed the proceeds of online fundraisers collected for his cause. McQuaker is currently running unopposed for a new term in 2026

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

The late Barbara Kentner’s home of Wabigoon Lake First Nation is calling her killer, Brayden Bushby’s, parole only two years into his eight-year sentence a “message that Indigenous lives are treated as expendable.“

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Nishnawbe Aski Nation calls the Parole Board of Canada’s decision to grant Brayden Bushby full parole, “devastating.” Bushby struck Barbara Kentner with a trailer hitch he threw from a moving car in 2017. She later died from her injuries. Parole board said he showed no remorse.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Returning to Cushing Lake, north of Lac Des Mille Lacs, after the fires.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Grassy Narrows First Nation has declared a state of emergency and the community is under evacuation over water.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Grassy Narrows First Nation has declared a state of emergency and the community is under evacuation over water.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

The latest from Gull Bay: fires are 20kms north and 28kms west from KZA First Nation. Today’s message from chief & council says anyone remaining or blowing blockades does so at their own risk. For more on those who are violating mandatory evacuation orders: ricochet.media/indigenous/r...

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) Chief Wilfred King has issued a letter warning those left behind in the mandatory forest fire evacuation that they could face up to $50,000 fines and a year imprisonment if they remain. “Please evacuate the reserve now..."

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Tension has been building between First Nations and the Ford government as wildfires tear across Northern Ontario. @ricochetmedia.bsky.social Northern Ontario reporter Jon Thompson breaks down the latest developments, as the worst wildfire season in Ontario history continues to rage.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

MNR placed Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) under mandatory evacuation at midnight. The community's leadership says the order took effect at midnight and that no one will be allowed to pass the Highway 527 closure. Six fires burn nearby.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Following rain over the weekend, Upsala Fire is now advising residents, "I am not telling you you should go home, I am no longer suggesting you shouldn't," but also to "sleep with one eye open." Fire chief Doug Kiezebrink says MNR continues not to allocate resources to this fire.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Whitewater First Nation's worst fears were confirmed when satellite images became available on Saturday. The full statement appears here, courtesy of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Whitewater Lake First Nation has confirmed that "much of the community" northeast of Armstrong has been destroyed by forest fires. "While no words can adequately express the magnitude of this loss, the Whitewater Lake community remains steadfast in its identity and strength."

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

The City of Thunder Bay is opening some splash pads on Sunday and is hinting at re-opening municipal golf courses. The city closed outdoor pools and beaches while cancelling outdoor concerts, and other services on Wednesday, due to poor air quality from forest fire smoke.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Environment Canada has issued a tornado warning for Upsala, Larson, Raith, and it looks like Lac Des Mille Lacs. The warning urges everyone in this area to take shelter. Upsala is not under official evacuation from forest fires but local fire brigade has urged everyone to leave.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

BREAKING: Planes are now able to land in Cat Lake First Nation. Smoke prevented aircraft from two different airlines from landing to retrieve evacuees. Some Cat Lake evacuees have already arrived in Toronto. This was the scene last night on departure, captured by Gerald Kwandibens.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

BREAKING: Neskantaga First Nation has declared a State of Emergency. It's looking to begin evacuating elders and those with special needs. These are photos taken yesterday and today, looking eastward down the Attawapiskat River.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Shebandowan Fire is reporting rural crews south and west of Thunder Bay have extinguished and brought wild fires under control that have been threatening Nolalu.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

AI slop of Namaygoosisagagun (Collins) includes roads and vehicles, in this community that was only accessible by boat and rails. Oh, the humanity.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

The Ministry of Natural Resources has issued an evacuation order for the area east of Atikokan. Ontario ordered residents to leave the area below at 7 a.m. on Friday. The land is threatened by Fort Frances 14, a 55,106-hectare fire that is listed as “not under control.”

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Jill Dunlop says she’ll “spare no expense” for northerners who are threatened by wild fires. This letter the Ontario Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response issued Thursday evening claims 150 crews are on the ground and 80 “firefighting aircraft” are at work in the region.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Have you guys seen this? “If Canada will not manage its forests to prevent these fires, the United States will look elsewhere, and act on our own, to protect our people.” Oh man, somebody save me a seat for the episode when America finds out what’s causing the end of the world.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Matawa First Nations have declared a public health emergency due to forest fires. The tribal council northeast of Thunder Bay demands Canada & Ontario develop a liaison and have Canadian Armed Forces, Red Cross, and Canadian Rangers on standby for immediate deployment, if needed.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

BREAKING: Upsala Fire is "urging everyone to leave town now." In a message the department says "is by no means a comprehensive arrangement for an evacuation notice," the statement says smoke is hampering fire progress and urges residents to leave "and eliminate the need for a midnight run."

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Shebandowan Fire says "several more water bombers being brought into the region to fight the fire." MNR crews abandoned fires west of Thunder Bay on Hwy 11 Wed. burning southward from Ignace and eastward from Quetico. They've slowed w changing wind and increased humidity but air quality remains poor

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Rural Thunder Bay fire departments southwest of Thunder Bay are attempting to surround two fires and bring them together.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jill Dunlop has formally requested federal assistance fighting Northwestern Ontario’s forest fires.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

For every natural disaster, someone in Thunder Bay’s government service industry posts the most racist thing imaginable. Almost like there’s a kind of institutional blindness to in this city, some strange inability its institutions have to vet for racism and remove it. Not sure what you’d call it.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Aroland First Nation has begun evacuation due to wild fires and smoke. They are bound for Sudbury, a seven-hour drive east.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Blue bombers in Cat Lake this morning. The fly-in First Nation lost power, phone, and fibre on Tuesday. Chief and council declared a State of Emergency and evacuation is underway.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

BREAKING: Eabametoong (Fort Hope First Nation) has declared a State of Emergency for forest fire and smoke. A resolution passed today says council, "will be preparing for response, evacuation, and assistance of all our community members and residents..."

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Shabandowan Fire reports MNR has pulled firefighting crews off of the Ignace and Quetico fires because they’re moving too quickly. Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe Nation (Lac La Croix) evacuated Monday while Ignace is on standby.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu says Ontario has not made a request for federal assistance regarding Northern Ontario forest fires.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

According to Hydro One, forest fires have knocked out the power in Upsala. stormcentre.hydroone.com?_gl=1*16aawe... The Upsala fire department is holding an emergency meeting at 7 p.m. this evening and asking a representative of each local family to attend

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Ontario's Indigenous minister Greg Rickford says the province is "vigilant, prepared, and ready to act" on forest fires.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

BREAKING: Cat Lake First Nation is under evacuation due to forest fire. Power, phone, and fibre went down in the fly-in Northern Ontario community on Tuesday. Council has now declared a State of Emergency, with mandatory evacuation.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

BREAKING: Ojibway Nation of Saugeen has declared a State of Emergency, as a fire looms 13 kilometres north of their community. There is no evacuation order set but members are standing by.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Thunder Bay is closing pools, beaches, and cancelling outdoor concerts, “due to current smoke conditions and extremely poor air quality” from forest fire smoke.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Upsala, ON is on standby for evacuation. The local fire department’s public statement says, “Our fire is too large to fight even if [Ministry of Natural Resources] MNR had resources, which they don’t.”

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

BREAKING: A forest fire north of Saugeen First Nation has shut down Highway 599. It knocked out the fibre line to Pickle Lake and nearby Mishkeegogamang First Nation. According to Pickle Lake manager Linda Colby, OPP is attending the highway shutdown, expected to last 24 hours.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

A train derailment in Thunder Bay's East End has resulted in a "minor diesel spill" according to ward councillor Brian Hamilton.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Death Star ice cubes named this week’s MVP as an orange heat wave lands on the Northwest, bringing it up to 36-45C including humidity. Stay safe, friends.

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Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

This photo of the Kenora LCBO was taken by Robert Onysko. The area is in the midst of a tornado warning that has lasted the afternoon. For those unfamiliar, this is not normally a boat-access liquor store.

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