Aid needed in Siksika

Morgan Lee    

Times Contributor

 

After a summer storm on Aug. 14 gusted through with winds at approximately 100 km/h residents of Siksika Nation are asking for aid. The storm caused severe damage to several families’ homes, making them unlivable. High winds tore the roofs off houses in the most extreme cases. The storm was one of a kind, and with only a thunderstorm watch in effect, residents of Siksika were caught unawares by the severity of the storm. 

“[It was] something I’d never seen before, I’ve seen a storm front form potential tornadoes but that’s not what I saw coming at us,” said Tom Little Child, Fire Chief for Siksika Fire Department, “this came in hard and fast.”

People have vacated their homes and have lost many of their things to the elements. They have been forced to move in with family members or have been assigned temporary accommodations by the Disaster Services Committee. Most of these families have lost everything, explained Little Child. 

“Unfortunately, here on the reserve it’s a little bit different than people living outside the reserve (who) may have insurance. A lot of the homeowners out here unfortunately do not have insurance, so once everything’s gone, it’s gone,” said Little Child.

The band has been working for the past two weeks, finding and providing the necessities for people affected by this disaster. 

“The band has done a substantial [amount], myself along with the Disaster Services Committee, we have found temporary housing for (people from) the severely impacted homes. So those families now have a roof over their head. Family Services and Social Services came forth big time providing emergency food, emergency shelter, emergency clothing, we did that for two weeks,” he said. 

It’s clear with the amount of damage caused and by the number of families who have been severely affected –approximately 15 – Siksika needs more help. Wesley Water Chief contacted the Strathmore Times asking for the help Siksika needs. 

“I guess it’s on behalf of the nation members who can’t speak for themselves. I’m trying to assist the disaster committee [to] help the people who need assistance. I mean, not everybody would be asking for donations, so I guess I’m speaking on their behalf,” said Water Chief, “I see it as my role to assist in any way that I can.”

The Disaster Services Committee in coordination with Siksika Family Services Department, White Buffalo/FCSS is accepting financial contributions to help these families in need as well as general hygiene products and household items. The Siksika Fire Hall is accepting donations during regular business hours. For more information call the Fire Hall at 403-734-3999.