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Canoe Lake Evacuees Find Safe Harbor in Vegreville
Canoe Lake Evacuees Find Safe Harbor in Vegreville
Tammy Hewitt - News Advertiser
On the evening of July 18, approximately 120 of the 700 residents of the Canoe Lake Cree First Nation in Saskatchewan, arrived in Vegreville displaced due to fires continuing in their area. Canoe Lake nation is north of Meadow Lake and close to the Villages of Cole Bay and Jan’s Bay. One resident shared this is the group’s second evacuation this year with the first one in May of this year.
The evacuees have been able to stay at local hotels and meet together for the meals at the Vegreville Alliance Church for catered meals. Many of the evacuees have participated and come to share in the meal. It was said it was nice for many in their community to come together. For others that do not want to come to the church, family and representatives were seen packing up portions of supper to take back to the hotel making sure everyone is fed. Lunches provided were a bagged lunch style.
“It is different for us. It’s like a culture shock.” Says Glenna Iron as she talked about their small community far away from the conveniences a town has to offer. She goes on to say, “We are thankful for a place to stay and a place to eat.”
Another displaced resident, Grace Iron goes on to explain that this has been difficult for many in the community as they are “bush people”. They are used to driving an hour and half to get groceries. Most are used to a quiet lifestyle.
Unfortunately, there was not enough space at hotels in Vegreville or area (including Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan) for all of the evacuees to stay together. Her mother and father are staying in a hotel in Fort Saskatchewan. She tries to see them every day.
For others keeping their children busy has been a challenge. Some have as many as eight children in their families. FCSS has also been involved in arranging in planning activities to help fill their time as well as some local musicians sharing some talent. Otherwise evacuees have been out and about exploring the green spaces and parks of Vegreville to occupy time and get out of the hotel.
