Kira is from Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories and attends school in Ontario at McMaster. Unprecedented wildfires forced Kira, her family, and her entire town of over 20,000 people, to evacuate from their homes and community. In the days leading up to the evacuation, ash was falling from an orange sky, and as they fled, there were fires on both sides of the highway. Kira and her family were displaced from their home for over a month, moving between hotels and friends’ homes.  

An avid runner, hiker, kayaker and canoe guide, Kira’s exposure to wildfire smoke has inhibited her from safely participating in the activities she loves and relies upon for her health and wellbeing. Kira’s favorite place outdoors are the cross country ski trails in Yellowknife.