Chipewyan Lake First Nation in Alberta says feds, province slow to help rebuild after wildfire

In late May, a wildfire tore through the community of Chipewyan Lake in Treaty 8 territory – a part of Bigstone Cree Nation. Almost half the structures were destroyed. “In the Chipewyan Lake community, we lost the outreach centre, we lost the Bigstone Health Centre, we lost the water treatment plant, we lost the church,” said Chief Andy Alook. “And we lost 22 residence(s).” “There are about 62 structures in total within Chipewyan Lake.” The community is located about 450 kilometres due north of Edmonton. Alook said residents were able to escape the oncoming flames. Now, some still don’t have a place to live. “Over 50 residents are still being displaced,” he said. Wildland fire fighters in Chipewyan Lake First Nation. Photo: Alberta Fires. Alook said both the federal and provincial governments have been slow to help. He compared the help the town of Jasper, Alta., received after a wildfire devasted that community. “I think the things that happened in Jasper were expedited, and there was a lot of media attention,” he said. “There was a lot of resources that were poured into Jasper in comparison to what happened to Chipewyan Lake. Unfortunately, I don’t feel that we got all the resources that were needed within Chipewyan Lake in a timely manner. “Even now, having visited the community of Chipewyan Lake yesterday, we are only now getting temporary housing for the residences that had burned.” APTN News contacted Alberta Emergency Management for comment. A spokesperson referred us to Indigenous Services Canada. No one responded before this article was published. Continue Reading