Siksika Nation still devastated by flood damage
While many communities are rebuilding after floodwaters devastated the province last month, there is still a lot of work to be done on the Siksika First Nation.
There were six communities on the reserve located east of Calgary hit by the flood. One of the hardest-hit communities was Little Washington.
Raylan Spotted One says residents forced out by flooding just want to go home.
"There's always that question in the back of your mind, 'Where do you go from here,'" he said.
"But, you know, taking it day by day — trying to be patient. Thankful that Red Cross and the Alberta government are there to assist us."
Spotted One says he was only allowed access to his home on Wednesday to start cleaning up.
Many families are camping at the Deerfoot Sportsplex, which served as an evacuation centre for nation members, to be close to supplies donated for flood victims.
Others are camping on the hills overlooking their communities and their homes.
"People go camping for the weekend and you go home — you go home to your nice comfortable bed, you turn on your TV," said Siksika spokesperson Wesley Water Chief.
"Well these people are still in their tents. There is no end to camping for the foreseeable future right now. There's that frustration, and it's slowly hitting home. I guess you could say there is mental anguish as well."
Water Chief says they're still short on volunteers to help them, including forklift drivers, electricians and other tradespeople.
Siksika emergency medical services can be reached at 403-734-3999 for more details and volunteer and donation inquiries.
