Premier Wab Kinew awarded one of Manitoba’s highest honours, the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, to Kristin Hayward, assistant deputy minister for the Manitoba Wildfire Service and Christine Stevens, assistant deputy minister for the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization for their efforts in navigating one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent memory.
“The 2025 season reminded us once again of the courage and professionalism of Manitoba’s wildfire service and emergency management teams,” said Kinew. “From the first sparks to the continuing fight against wildfires, these Manitoba heroes worked around the clock to protect communities, homes and lives. I want to thank every firefighter, every emergency worker, and every volunteer who stood on the front lines and behind the scenes. Manitobans can take pride in knowing when disaster strikes, we have people of extraordinary skill and heart answering the call.”
The premier inducted Hayward and Stevens, alongside wildfire service and emergency management personnel, into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt following a ceremony today at the Manitoba Legislative Building.
“Reflecting on this wildfire season, we must also honour the Manitobans we lost this spring, Richard and Susan Nowell,” said Kinew. “The wildfires touched everyone in Manitoba, livelihoods were affected, and communities and properties were damaged. We will rebuild and get through this challenging time like we always do as Manitobans – by doing it together.”
Established in 1957, Manitoba’s Order of the Buffalo Hunt is accompanied by a certificate of membership, signed by the premier and sealed with the Great Seal of Manitoba.
The premier recently conferred the Order of the Buffalo Hunt upon the first responders from the Carberry tragedy and those responding to the École Secondaire Neelin High School attack.
