Hay River flooding: K’atł’odeeche First Nation examines the damage

Between the flooded cemetery, the homeless and the damaged roads, many emotions [parce que] many things need to be changedsaid Chef Martel.

The hardest blow was the flooding of the cemetery, he said. At the time of the damage assessment, he plans to meet with his team for the reconstruction and protection of the grave against such disaster in the future.

This is a priority […] something must be done for the cemetery. It is a historic place.

The leader particularly relied on the disaster assistance provided by the territorial government to support the members of his First Country.

difficult decisions

The return of residents to the Country’s territory also marked the launch of discussions that could prove difficult between members and politicians and experts to decide what is the best way to prevent future floods.

April Martel recalled that the bottom of the river had been dredged and ice jams had been removed using explosives, but she noted that these two methods had an impact on the environment.

The chief also said he spoke with the territory’s Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Shane Thompson, and MP Michael McLeod about the potential relocation of low-lying homes. However, he was concerned about the impact of such a measure on the affected residents.

People are nice in their homes. We can raise them, instead of moving them to a higher placehe pointed out.

To support the community in the decision -making process, Chief April Martel plans to consult with elders and other First Nation members who experienced the floods in 1963.

I will give them time to recover, then I will bring them together with managers and volunteers to ask their opinionhe explained.

Meanwhile, First Nation has brought in a team of mental health experts to help its members cope with the emotional burden of the flood.

With information from Carla Ulrich