Hundreds evacuated due to flooding in northern Sask. First Nation communities

(Courtesy: Prince Albert Grand Council)

Hundreds of people have been forced from their homes in northern Saskatchewan First Nation communities due to severe spring flooding.

In an update on Thursday, the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) says about 485 Red Earth Cree Nation members are currently sheltered in Prince Albert.

In Saskatoon, the Canadian Red Cross is supporting roughly 150 Red Earth Cree Nation members and 185 Shoal Lake Cree Nation members.

PAGC says numbers may change as families relocate or make other arrangements.

Red Earth Cree Nation and Shoal Lake Cree Nation are both in Treaty 5 territory, with populations of about 1,600 and 900, respectively.

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Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte says the focus now turns to supporting displaced memberswhile monitoring conditions closely.

“We are encouraged that levels are coming down in some areas, but we are not standing down,” said Hardlotte. “Our people are away from their homes, their communities, and their families. That weighs heavily on all of us. We will be here — monitoring, communicating and making sure every evacuated member has what they need until it is safe to return.”

As of Thursday afternoon, 35 Saskatchewan communities had declared a state of emergency due to flooding.

• Saskatchewan providing support to 35 communities affected by flooding

Authorities also reported 11 provisional highway closures and eight incidents related to water on the road.

PAGC says flooding has impacted Red Earth Cree Nation, Shoal Lake Cree Nation, Wahpeton Dakota Nation, Sturgeon Lake First Nation, and Little Red River First Nation.

According to PAGC, some river levels are trending downward, but the situation remains fluid.