WINNIPEG — The chief of a Manitoba First Nation in the throes of severe water issues, including flooding and backed-up sewage, says seven members of the Canadian Armed Forces have arrived to help.

Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief David Monias says military members on the ground will first be tasked with assessing one of the community’s water treatment plants that has been out of commission for two weeks.

The First Nation, 530 kilometres north of Winnipeg, suffered a days-long power outage that led to frozen water systems, sewer backups, electrical issues and burst pipes.

Monias says another team from the Armed Forces is expected to arrive on Wednesday.

About 4,000 residents are in other communities and haven’t been able to return.

Monias says some 1,200 people staying in Thompson may be out of accommodations later this week because local hotel rooms are being used for a hockey tournament.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 12, 2026.

The Canadian Press