Siksika Nation still devastated by flood damage - Action News
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Siksika Nation still devastated by flood damage

While many communities are rebuilding after floodwaters devastated the province last month, there is still a lot of work to be done on the Siksika First Nation.

Volunteers needed as cleanup begins

Siksika First Nation was hit hard by flooding last month, which caused major damage throughout southern Alberta. (John Reiti/CBC)

While many communities are rebuilding after floodwaters devastated the province last month, there is still a lot of work to be done on the Siksika First Nation.

There weresix communitieson the reserve located east of Calgary hit by the flood. One of thehardest-hit communities was Little Washington.

Raylan Spotted One says residents forced out by floodingjust want to go home.

"There's always that question in the back of your mind, 'Where do you go from here,'" he said.

"But, you know, taking it day by day trying to be patient. Thankful that Red Cross and the Alberta government are there to assist us."

SpottedOnesays he was only allowed access to his home on Wednesday to start cleaning up.

Residents express frustration, mental anguish

Sally Fox set up a camp overlooking her flooded house in Little Chicago after floodwaters hit the community last month. (John Reiti/CBC)

Many families are camping atthe Deerfoot Sportsplex, which served as an evacuation centre for nation members, to be close to supplies donatedforflood victims.

Others are camping on the hills overlooking their communities and their homes.

"People go camping for the weekend andyou go homeyou go home toyour nice comfortablebed, you turn onyour TV," said Siksika spokesperson Wesley Water Chief.

"Well these people are still in their tents. There is no end to camping for the foreseeable future right now. There's that frustration, and it's slowly hitting home. I guess you could say there is mental anguish as well."

Water Chief says they're still short on volunteers to help them, including forklift drivers, electricians and other tradespeople.

Siksika emergency medicalservices can be reached at 403-734-3999 for more details and volunteer and donation inquiries.