Fundraiser in Winnipeg to support Shamattawa First Nation following fire

A special fundraiser will be held in Winnipeg on Wednesday to help rebuild crucial infrastructure in the Shamattawa First Nation.

Indigenous entertainers will take the stage during the fundraiser at the RBC Convention Centre.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson said it's important to bring the "Indigenous and non-Indigenous community together for an important cause."

"[It is] an opportunity for all of us as individuals, businesses and organizations to support the people from the remote First Nation," North Wilson said in a news release.

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The First Nation declared a state of emergency in September after a fire destroyed the community's only grocery store and band office. A 12-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the fire.

Assembly of First Nations Manitoba Regional Chief Kevin Hart said it's important to host the fundraiser during the AFN's National Housing and Infrastructure Forum taking place in Winnipeg this week.

"The fundraiser is one way that we can involve the greater community and First Nations citizens to gather around and support Shamattawa," he said in a news release. "This is an opportunity for all of us to look at ways we can work together and build relationships with communities."

The people of Shamattawa have been under extreme stress, Shamattawa First Nation Chief Jeff Napoakesik said in the release.

"We continue to need the support to rebuild and re-establish our community's central services," he said.

The event starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $20.