One year later

Times Reporter     

 

Many people on the Siksika nation felt the ill effects of the dreadful floods that hit Southern Alberta one year ago when the rivers raged on June 20. Community Resource Worker Randy D. Alexander can attest to the disaster that hit his family dearly as their home on the reserve was full of water and on the verge of being washed away. However, Alexander did not leave when asked to but instead stayed back and wanted to slowly rebuild the home and clean what the flood had left around the property. 

He reflected on the difficult times that his family had to endure and how the recovery has been a year later. 

“My first thought was where are we going to go, what are we going to do, my baby my wife,” said Alexander.  

Therefore, with his thoughts he had to keep his emotions in check, as he did not want his family to think that he did not have the strength to support them.  

“I had to keep my sanity because I was the father, provider, and could not let my wife and children know that I was worried and be strong for them.”

Alexander noted that it was no easy feat to keep the homes safe. Out of a community of 25, only nine moved home after the floods. 

“That’s the sad part but the positive is that we all keep each other informed,” said Alexander. 

When the flood hit the reserve, Alexander was blessed to know that there were people out there looking out for one another.  

“We did a lot of praying and were spiritually safe and strong and managed to stay in our home,” said Alexander. 

A year later, the recovery process has been a prolonged one; however, with everyone working together it would seem as though the Siksika Nation is recovering better than expected.  

“The positive part is we learn to prepare for the next one and learn to save for a rainy day when a flood happens,” said Alexander. 

The flood really opened up his senses to realize this is what Mother Nature has the power to do. When asked about any precautionary measures that have been taken this year, “our leadership has not done anything so far, we have no sandbags; in the long run nothing was ever really done and we do not leave anything in the basement now,” said Alexander.  

Alexander, the rest of Siksika nation and many southern Albertans will be watching water levels and keeping an eye on the sky to stay aware and hopefully next time around prevent a disaster like the one a year ago.