Stakeholders from evacuees to front line workers, to health care services providers, government service providers and other leadership across regions of the N.W.T., are pulling together to get through what has turned out to be a rough wildfire season. Folks from Whati and Fort Providence are facing extreme challenges of not only wildfires but also having to walk away from their home and community, but there a number of resources and services are accessible in Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀ and Hay River.
Looking for a place to get a meal, a place to sleep, for people and pets, or finding a way to get in between different places? There is space for everyone to take shelter and comfort, and in times like these, the spaces of the North are defined by a collective drive and community will that seems to have no bounds.
In Yellowknife
The city of Yellowknife, the GNWT, the Tłı̨chǫ Government, along with community partners, have been working together closely to provide needed services for evacuees from Whatì and Fort Providence.
“As we welcome our neighbours during this challenging time, let’s show the compassion and resilience that defines our community,” said a statement issued by leaders in the region this weekend.
In the city of Yellowknife, evacuees are being welcomed at the Evacuation Centre that has been set up at the Fieldhouse on Kam Lake Road. After an event held this weekend, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation extended a welcome to those who attended to continue to stay at the Wıìlıìdeh site camping grounds if they could not return home due to an evacuation order. Following the re-opening of Hwy 3 yesterday, the camping area has been closed.
Mayor Ben Hendirksen said that many people are accessing the resources and services that have been set up at the Multiplex and Fieldhouse, but many beds are still available.
The Tłı̨chǫ Government is supporting the City of Yellowknife, the Community Government of Whatì and Behchokǫ̀, and community partners to provide emergency reception services.
Staff from the Salvation Army are on-site, providing reception support, food service, and hygiene kits.
Evacuees can access information and services to help access financial and health supports.
Evacuees are being offered access to the Aquatic Centre and the city is providing free YK Transit services.
“For community members looking to support evacuees, the Salvation Army is coordinating all donation efforts and specifically requesting monetary donations, which can be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca or in person at the Salvation Army NWT Resource Centre at 4925 45th Street in Yellowknife,” said officials.
In Behchokǫ̀
Evacuees can access food at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre. The centre has scheduled meal times including breakfast between 8:00 am to 10:00 am, lunch between 11:45 am to 1:45 pm and dinner between 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, as well as snacks.
Evacuees are required to register at the Behchokǫ̀ Cultural Centre.
Evacuees who would like help with Income Assistance Services are asked to contact the Behchokǫ ECE Service Centre at 1-867-392-6201
Evacuees who do not have their health care card or NIHB details with them can still get access to health care.
Prevention and protection services are accessible through Child and Family Services.
“Prevention services are voluntary and may include supplementary support (financial and non-financial), service navigation, and connections to other supports/services,” said officials.
In Hay River
The Hay River Community Centre has set up a reception desk, hosted by Hay River Health and Social Services staff and town staff, to help evacuees register for services and supports, including financial and health services.
Officials advised the facility is closed between 10 pm and 8 am.
“All evacuees staying at the Centre must be in the building ahead of closing. Security services are provided at the Community Centre overnight.”
Yesterday, after the Evacuation Order was issued for Fort Providence, over 450 evacuees registered in person.
Over 220 cots with blankets and pillows have been assigned and many other evacuees have been assisted with getting access to other arranged accommodations.
A temporary kennel has also been set up to support for animal intake.
Catered food services are being provided at the Community Centre at scheduled times of 8 a.m. 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., along with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks being made available to evacuees through donations
Shower services, including toiletries and towels are available at the community centre.
Shuttle services are being offered at the Centre from the Hay River Metis Government and Katlodeeche First Nation.
Recreation programming, including aquatic centre access, is being made available to evacuees at the Centre.
Anyone who would like to volunteer, offer services or make a suggestion is asked to reach out to the centre at 867-874-6522 between 8 am and 10 pm
The GNWT provides financial support to help evacuees with immediate costs for expenses like gasoline, groceries, and accommodations through the emergency evacuation relief program. All evacuees are eligible. Anyone who would like to receive support from this program is required to register as an evacuee with their community government. Anyone who would like more information or assistance to register can call 867-767-9168 ext. 15027 or email [email protected]
Evacuees are encouraged to fill in an evacuation registration form. The form is accessible online on the GNWT site at www.gov.nt.ca/en/form/evac
