Red Earth, Shoal Lake Cree Nations begin evacuations amid record flooding

Community members travel by canoe through floodwaters in Red Earth Cree Nation on Tuesday morning as emergency crews continue responding to rising water levels. (Courtesy: Allister Nawakayas / Emergency Co-ordinator)

The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) has activated emergency operations as floodwaters forced members of two Saskatchewan First Nations from their homes Monday evening.

Shoal Lake Cree Nation and Red Earth Cree Nation, neighbouring communities about 220 kilometres northeast of Prince Albert, started moving the most vulnerable members off the reserves late Monday as flooding along the Shell and Carrot rivers washed over low-lying land.

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Evacuations expanded Tuesday to elders, pre and postnatal members and other high-risk individuals.

In a news release Tuesday, the PAGC said river flows have reached record levels, peaking at 980 cubic metres per second Tuesday morning — the highest the Water Security Agency has recorded on the river. Water levels have risen nearly three metres since April 29.

“Officials say the updated peak-flow estimate is 1,050 cubic metres per second, which would amount to a one-in-100-year event,” PAGC said.

“The previous record at the station was 816 cubic metres per second, set in 1972. Monitoring continues, and the peak may not arrive until around May 9.”

A photo from the tribal council, one of the largest in Canada representing 44,000 members, shows residents of Red Earth travelling through the community by canoe.

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said the tribal council is working with provincial officials to track flooding in both systems and to keep communications open with First Nations leadership and other partners.

“Water has its own way of returning to the land. That is nature’s way,” said Hardlotte.

“But when it comes back like this, it creates serious problems for our communities, our roads, our homes and our families. Our priority right now is safety, communication and making sure our First Nations have the support they need.”

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management are working with PAGC to coordinate support and monitor rapidly changing conditions, and the Canadian Red Cross is preparing supports for evacuated members as they register for assistance.

In a statement to CTV News, a Canadian Red Cross spokesperson said it’s supporting PAGC through a standing agreement with Indigenous Services Canada.

The Red Cross says support includes emergency hotel accommodations in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, reception services, food and wellbeing supports.

At the request of community leadership and through a standing agreement with Indigenous Services Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is supporting community members within the Prince Albert Grand Council who were evacuated due to flooding. Support includes registration, accommodations, food, and wellbeing supports.

PAGC Vice-Chief Christopher Jobb says the emergency operations centre is focused on helping keep community members safe as they prepare for several more days of high water. The tribal council warns that high water brings strong currents that can destabilize riverbanks and damage roads, and things can turn dangerous without warning.

“We are doing our best and opening lines of communication with our communities and emergency partners,” said Jobb.

“We are asking everyone to be safe out there. Please listen to your local leadership, avoid flooded areas and give emergency crews the room they need to do their work.”