Resilience, Culture, and Risk: The Impact of the 2023 Wildfires on Tourism in Waskaganish, Eeyou Istchee, Canada

Summary This case study examines the impacts of the record-breaking 2023 wildfire season on tourism and community resilience in Waskaganish, an Indigenous Cree community located in Eeyou Istchee, the traditional territory of the Cree Nation in Canada. The wildfires, driven by extreme drought conditions, high temperatures, and widespread lightning activity, created significant disruptions across Eeyou Istchee and forced local stakeholders to make difficult decisions under conditions of uncertainty. Drawing upon interviews with community leaders, tourism operators, and residents, as well as secondary data from academic literature, government reports, and media sources, the case explores how wildfire risk evolved into a complex crisis affecting tourism operations, community well-being, and cultural continuity. The case highlights the economic impacts of business closures, infrastructure loss, and employment disruptions, including the destruction of the Creetopia tourism site. It also examines social challenges associated with evacuations, food insecurity, and community stress, as well as cultural losses linked to the destruction of significant landscapes and traditional resources. The response to the crisis reveals both strengths and weaknesses in emergency management, including evidence of community resilience, adaptability, and the growing importance of Indigenous knowledge in environmental stewardship. Through the lens of tourism risk and crisis management, the case encourages students to critically evaluate preparedness, resilience, climate adaptation, and the role of Indigenous perspectives in sustainable destination management. Information © The Authors 2026