Latest news with #MétisNationSaskatchewan
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
Communities, organizations stepping up to support Sask. wildfire evacuees
For elders who have lived in northern Saskatchewan all their lives, getting displaced to a big city in the south can be disorienting and stressful. That's part of the reason Métis Nation-Saskatchewan has opened the festival grounds at Batoche for families who have needed to evacuate due to wildfires. "I was talking to some of the northern leaders, the chiefs, about how the elders that come from northern Saskatchewan don't like being cooped up in four walls," said MN-S president Glen McCallum. "It's very difficult for the elders." Low on power or data? Use CBC Lite for the latest on wildfires Evacuees with campers or tents can call to register for a site (1-877-Metis-SK), and there is also a limited number of cabins and tents on site. Meals are being provided along with 24-hour security. During Back to Batoche Days last year, 43,000 people were accommodated at the national historic site, McCallum said, so there's plenty of room. It's not just elders who will benefit from the cultural activities there, he said — young people will too. Many First Nations in the province have also been offering supports to those displaced from the north. They include James Smith Cree Nation and Muskoday First Nation, which are close to the routes that evacuees are travelling on their way south. James Smith said two busloads of evacuees are in their community, and Muskoday has closed its school so it can be used as an emergency shelter. They've put calls out for donations of everything from socks and underwear to diapers to toiletries. Between 35 and 40 evacuees are staying in the gymnasium in Beauval, while others have come through the community on their way south. Natanis Roy, an education student in La Ronge, had to evacuate due to the wildfire there, but has family in Beauval and has been helping other evacuees. "At first, it was very hard for me, because the first few days, I was so worried about my home being burned down," Roy said. "So the first few days, I was making myself stressed out and sick.… And then, I said, you know what, I have to support these people. I'm not the only one going through this struggle right now." Roy is working the night shift helping evacuees, many of whom are from Hall Lake and have lost their homes. People from communities throughout northwest Saskatchewan have been making donations, Roy said. Towns and cities are organizing supports, too. The City of Prince Albert is offering evacuees free RV and trailer campsites at its campground, while the City of North Battleford has partnered with local agencies to support the 200 wildfire evacuees who have arrived so far. WATCH | People had to leave their pets behind to escape the wildfires. Here's who's helping: People had to leave their pets behind to escape the wildfires. Here's who's helping 5 hours ago Duration 2:12 Volunteers are trying to help those animals left behind when people evacuated La Ronge, Sask., and the surrounding area. But the hodgepodge of supports has been a source of frustration for many evacuees. Some say they have had trouble getting through to the Red Cross or the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to register. Viviana Ruiz Arcand is in Saskatoon after evacuating from La Ronge. She said there's big holes in the available supports and people are struggling. "I want to see access to transportation, so that if they are at a hotel and need to go to the evacuation centre to eat, they can get there," she told Saskatoon Morning host Stephanie Massicotte on Thursday. Money for gas and vouchers for food and groceries are sorely needed, Ruis Arcand said. In his daily briefing to media Wednesday, SPSA vice-president of operations Steve Roberts acknowledged the multiple evacuations have been complicated and confusing. "There's a dynamic going on and we have to be honest, as much as we and other agencies are trying to find places, people are independently doing stuff as well," he said. More than 30 communities in the province were under evacuation orders as of Thursday, affecting between 10,000 and 15,000 people. Those needing support can contact the SPSA at 1-855-559-5502. Saskatchewan evacuees can also call the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582.
CBC
26-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Familiar face re-elected as president of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan
Glen McCallum is returning for a third-straight term as president of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan, but three tight races for other positions are still waiting on recounts.
