Winnipeg, MB. Members of the First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory evacuated their communities on Saturday, October 12th 2019 after declaring a ‘state of emergency’ following major power outages. Major snowfall in the territory has caused power outages in Ochichakkosipi, Ebb and Flow, Skownan, Lake St. Martin, Little Saskatchewan, Dauphin River, Pinaymootang, and Lake Manitoba First Nations. Power was restored to Ebb and Flow, and Skownan on Sunday evening.
Evacuations in Little Saskatchewan, Ochichakkosipi, Dauphin River, Pinaymootang, and Lake Manitoba continued on Sunday. Members were temporarily places in hotels, many stayed with family members in Winnipeg, and several were displaced. The IRTC assisted Red Cross with registrations at the Victoria Inn. There was lots of confusion as to how members could register to be eligible for assistance. Melanie Anderson of Dauphin River First Nation, who is an evacuee, shared the importance of helping those who need assistance. Joseph Maytwayashing mentioned 90 percent of members from Lake Manitoba First Nation have left the community due to the power outages.
Emery Stagg of Dauphin River First Nation mentioned the confusion and frustration of evacuees. He indicated this is not the first time there has been evacuations in FNT2T nations. in 2011, many First Nations were evacuated.
Karl Zadnik, Director of Interlake Reserves Tribal Council (IRTC), shared the role of the IRTC with the emergency evacuations. The IRTC has and continue to take registrations at the Victoria Inn on Wellington Ave. in Winnipeg.
The IRTC will continue to take registration at the Victoria Inn. The Red Cross since moved their headquarters to the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. The Red Cross has released information for evacuees:
Last modified: October 16, 2019
