On August 1, 2026, Margo Tamez, along with family members, were given minutes to evacuate their home due to the catastrophic Bradley Creek Wildfires raging through British Columbia, Canada. While they are safe, her neighbors, members of the Okanagan Indian Band, confirmed to her through video that the house she called home for 14 years on the OKIB reserve was a complete loss. Their home and belongings are totally destroyed, leaving them with just the clothes on their backs, a few cherished items, and a computer for professional duties. Beyond the loss of their home and possessions, the family is also mourning the loss of their beloved cats.

Margo is Lipan Apache. She grew up in South Texas but has lived and worked in British Columbia for the past 15 years, where she teaches at the University of British Columbia–Okanagan. While Margo resides on Okanagan land and contributes to the community, she is not a member of the Okanagan Indian Band and, as a result, has previously been ineligible to receive tribal disaster relief. Wildfire displacement disproportionately affects Indigenous communities, and this is the second wildfire displacement Margo has survived in the last three years.

Margo is an accomplished scholar, poet, and community activist. She has published several books of poetry, including Raven Eye and Naked Wanting, and has authored numerous articles on Indigenous women-led social movements. In particular, she has worked to raise awareness about Indigenous communities and the environment along the U.S.–Mexico border.

As of August 2, Margo is on the ground meeting with local relief organizations and her community Elders while navigating the overwhelming task of rebuilding. This fundraiser was organized by two of Margo's colleagues in New Mexico, together with her daughter-in-law in Texas, to help coordinate support across the many communities that care about her. Funds raised will be used to help meet immediate needs resulting from the wildfire, including temporary housing, food, clothing, transportation, replacement of essential belongings, and other recovery expenses as Margo and her family begin rebuilding after their sudden evacuation and loss. Her colleagues in New Mexico, along with family across Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, and beyond, are working to bring communities and resources together in support of Margo.

This fire has devastated Margo, her family, and the surrounding First Nations community as emergency evacuation orders remain in effect. Margo and her family need your help. Please consider donating any amount you are comfortable giving. Our goal is to raise $30,000 to help replace essential belongings and provide immediate support as they begin the long process of rebuilding after this devastating loss.