Now that everyone has returned home safely, Chief Adam Fiddler and the entire council say meegwetch to everyone who made a difference during the full evacuation of the community.

Click here to watch the video.

The process of returning evacuees home after a full evacuation is a long one that requires the hard work of many individuals.  The leadership, volunteers, support staff, MNR and EMO have dedicated themselves in all aspects of returning the evacuees home.

Click here to watch a video clip of volunteers stationed at the airport to register all returning evacuees.

CTV News video clips

By the end of Friday, July 29, 621 evacuees had returned home to Sandy Lake.  Over the next several days, hundreds more will be arriving in Sandy Lake where they are welcomed home by Chief Adam Fiddler and other community members.

July 30, 2011

Chief Adam Fiddler gives an update on the current fire and evacuation situation in Sandy Lake on July 30, 2011.

English Version

In the video update on July 30, 2011, Chief Adam Fiddler mistakenly referred to Wellington County as Wentworth.  "My apologies to Wellington County for my mistake and again, I express my thanks for your community's generous hospitality", Chief Adam Fiddler.

July 27, 2011

Today, evacuees started to return home to Sandy Lake after forest fires forced them out their homes last week. 

Watch the video clips on youtube as the evacuees get off the plane.

Chief Adam Fiddler provides an update on July 26, 2011 regarding the plans for people to return to Sandy Lake and payment arrangements for pension, social assistance and family allowance.

English Version

Oji-Cree Version

Chief Adam Fiddler and Councillor Fabian Crowe take a look at the current fire situation from a helicopter in Sandy Lake on July 25, 2011.

Click here to view the video

Chief Adam Fiddler provides an update on the fire and evacuation situation in Sandy Lake on July 25, 2011.  Includes information about returning home and band staff payroll and social assistance arrangements.

Oji-Cree Version

English Version

Chief Adam Fiddler and Councillor Fabian Crowe give an update on the current fire and evacuation situation in Sandy Lake.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Chief Adam Fiddler provides an update on the current fire and evacuation situation in Sandy Lake on Saturday, July 23, 2011.

Bilingual Update

1.  On July 22, 2011 Chief Adam Fiddler and MNR surveyed the fires from a helicopter that have posed a threat to the community causing the full evacuation of Sandy Lake.

Click here to view the video of the helicopter view.

2.  A small group of community members have remained in Sandy Lake to ensure vital operations continue and are protected. 

Chief Adam Fiddler provides an update on the fire and evacuation situation in Sandy Lake on Friday, July 22, 2011.

Oji-Cree Version
English Version

Chief Adam Fiddler provides an update on the fire and evacuation situation in Sandy Lake on Thursday, July 21, 2011.

Oji-Cree Version
English Version