Pimicikamak evacuees face uncertain return despite power restoration

Pimicikamak Cree Nation Faces Ongoing Challenges After Power Outage

Pimicikamak Cree Nation is dealing with damage to homes caused by a four-day power outage. Thousands of residents are uncertain about when they can return to their community.

The First Nation, located about 530 kilometers north of Winnipeg, was evacuated last week after a power line snapped. This left residents without heat in extreme cold temperatures below –20 C.

Manitoba Hydro repaired the power line and restored electricity by Friday. However, many homes became unsafe due to damage to water and electrical systems.

Evacuation Extended Indefinitely

Chief David Monias stated that the damages and a shortage of essential supplies, including fuel, have forced the First Nation to extend the evacuation indefinitely. “We are asking people to stay out at their hotels until we can safely return you home,” he said on social media. “If you do go back then it will be at your own risk.”

Only about 200 of the over 1,300 residences have been checked for damage, according to band Coun. Shirley Robinson. “It’s overwhelming right now,” she told CBC News. “We haven’t had any help arrive yet in our nation.”

Health Concerns and Further Evacuations

Health concerns, including a lack of potable water, have forced at least 150 more residents to evacuate by noon on Sunday. The community’s water treatment plant was also damaged during the outage. Robinson mentioned that around 100 others were expected to be evacuated by the end of the weekend.

“This is not going to stop,” Robinson said. “Things [are] being currently looked at in ensuring the infants are out, the elders are out, the vulnerable are out.”

Residents Express Concerns

At a hotel in Winnipeg, evacuees are eager to know when they can return home, but no date is set yet. “I wish I could have that answer because when I’m listening to the elders here crying asking when they can go home,” Robinson said. “We’re trying to get them there.”

More than 4,000 people have been forced to leave Pimicikamak Cree Nation due to the power outage. The outage damaged the water treatment plant and plumbing systems, making many homes unlivable.

Personal Stories from Evacuees

Kelson Monias, an evacuated father of two, has been watching videos of water flooding homes in Pimicikamak. He left his home last week after his generator failed to keep his family warm. “It’s sad. I just feel for the people that lost their homes,” he said.

Monias is also worried about the water treatment plant. He used to work there and knows that repairs will be challenging. “For now, all I can do is wait for Pimicikamak to finish the assessment and start repairs,” he said.

Community Support and Future Plans

Robinson mentioned that many evacuees left home with only a few belongings. Pimicikamak is working to provide clothing and hygiene products. “We’re also looking at getting programs in place for our people to ensure that we look after their mental health,” she said.

A provincial spokesperson stated that Premier Wab Kinew has spoken with Chief Monias and is interested in visiting the community this week. A formal date has not been set.

Fundraising Efforts

Paige Paupanakis has been raising funds to help cover expenses for evacuees. “It’s been really hard on the people,” she said. Some funds were used for activities for children, while most have gone to send food and winter clothing to Pimicikamak.

“Just because the power is on, there’s a long process that’s gonna happen after this,” she added.

Concerns About Damaged Homes

Rena Brightnose, who has been in Winnipeg since last week, is worried about her house. She said there is still no heating despite the return of electricity. “People that I talk to here … they want to go home, but they don’t know what they’re going to be expecting,” she said.