Fire Evacuation 2011

MEEGWETCH
 

In July, 2011 Sandy Lake First Nation was fully evacuated when the safety of the people was compromised by heavy smoke from nearby forest fires and the closest fire threatened to reach the community.

Sandy Lake has a band membership of 2741. Most live on-reserve and were forced to leave their homes. Approximately 31 people remained to maintain essential services and help protect our community.

Evacuees were hosted in 11 locations throughout Ontario and Manitoba. Many individuals worked long hours and contributed their time and energy to ensure the safety and comfort of our people during a difficult and stressful time.

 

A big thank you to the following:

  • Town of Sioux Lookout – Mayor Dennis Leney & Council and Emergency Services Manager Rob Favot

  • Pelican Falls – Northern Nishnawbe Education Council (NNEC)

  • Town of Ignace – Mayor Lee Kennard & Council

  • City of Thunder Bay – Mayor Keith Hobbs & Council and Dennis Brescacin, Community Emergency Management Coordinator

  • Municipality of Greenstone - Mayor Renald Beaulieu & Council and CAO Roy Sinclair

  • Town of Geraldton

  • Town of Longlac

  • Ginoogaming First Nation – Chief Celia Echum & Council

  • Town of Marathon – Mayor Rick Dumas & Council

  • Town of Wawa – Mayor Linda Nowicki & Council

  • Town of Moosonee – Mayor Victor Mitchell & Council and Fire Chief/Community Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Henry

  • Town of Arthur, Wellington County – Mayor Raymond Tout & Council

  • Town of Smith Falls

  • Winnipeg, Manitoba – Manitoba Association of Native FireFighters
     

We also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of:

  • Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources firefighting crews and firefighters from British Columbia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Manitoba for protecting our community

  • Allison J. Stewart, Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief, Emergency Management Ontario (EMO), Ministry of Community and Social Services and EMO staff

  • Jo Ann Ford, Emergency Response Coordinator, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and AANDC staff

Donations of financial assistance, clothing and household items continue to be accepted for the family who lost their home in an unrelated house fire during the evacuation. We acknowledge the contributions of:

  • Castlegreen Housing Cooperative – Thunder Bay

  • Mennonite Central Committee Ontario – Timmins

  • Travelodge Airlane staff – Thunder Bay

  • Wasaya Airways

  • Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services

To the countless others not mentioned who helped make a difference, it is our belief you will be rewarded with blessings we cannot measure.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication during our time of need. Your actions helped lift our spirits. Your caring open arms mean a lot and is something we will not forget.

Chief & Council and the people of Sandy Lake First Nation