Canadian Red Cross response in support of 13 evacuated First Nations officially concludes with return home

Topics: Regions, Manitoba, Emergencies and Disasters in Canada, Indigenous Communities
Jason Small | October 31, 2019

The Canadian Red Cross response in support of people evacuated from 13 First Nations due to power outages, resulting from a massive snowstorm, officially concluded on Oct. 30, with the final communities returning home.
 
According to confirmed registrations, the Canadian Red Cross supported more than 10,000 evacuees from the 13 First Nations during the 19-day period of the response. That support included lodging, food, medical and mental health support, recreation opportunities and personal supplies, such as hygiene kits, and formula and diapers for children.
 
While the Red Cross opened and operated a shelter at the RBC Convention Centre for most of the response, the majority of evacuees stayed in hotels or with friends and family. Most evacuees were in Winnipeg, but some stayed in hotels in Brandon, Dauphin, Portage La Prairie, Selkirk and other communities. Although the final group returned home on Wednesday, people had already been going back home for several days, as power was restored in the impacted communities.
 
The response was part of an agreement between the Canadian Red Cross and the federal government to provide disaster assistance to First Nations in Manitoba.
 
The Canadian Red Cross appreciates the collaborative support of leadership from the 13 First Nations and supporting governing bodies – including Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Assembly of First Nations, Southern Chiefs Organizations, Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, and Interlake Reserves Tribal Council – as well as Indigenous Services Canada, in ensuring the evacuees had the support they needed while out of their communities and for the return home.
 
While the response has concluded, a small number of evacuees whose homes were damaged as a result of the storm are continuing to receive support from the Red Cross as it will take longer for them to be able to return home.
 
The Canadian Red Cross has a team of trained volunteers and staff who have the skills and resources to support evacuees in communities throughout Manitoba, however, we always need more caring and dedicated individuals who want to help people in need. Anyone who wants to volunteer to help with future disasters can email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
 
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