Sweetgrass and CFWE news - May 4, 2016

CCAB asks for businesses to support Fort McMurray

May 4, 2016. The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business has joined the call for support to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo through donations to the Red Cross. CCAB is “facilitating a call to action to our national business community network to help Fort McMurray in its time of need,” said the organization in a statement. “We urge you to give what you can to assist the families, residents, and workers who have been affected by this horrific wildfire.” The province is matching donations to the Red Cross. As well, the province approved today $2 million to go to the Red Cross to help the evacuees.

Fort McMurray First Nation cautioned to be ready

May 4, 2016. Fort McMurray First Nation members are being instructed to keep their radios on and tune in for wildfire updates. On Tuesday, residents were told to pack prescriptions, papers, personal needs, “priceless items like pictures” and be prepared to leave. At the centre of the concern is a fire behind Thickwood in Fort McMurray. Residents were warned to keep enough gas in their vehicles to get to Grassland or Lac La Biche.

Conference to end homelessness

May 4, 2016. Leaders, researchers, front-line staff, individuals with lived experience, and government representatives working together to end homelessness will share best practices, new approaches and innovative successes on ending homelessness at a conference on May 5 and 6 in Calgary. The Alberta Way Home: Transformative Action in Ending Homelessness, sponsored by the 7 cities on Housing and Homelessness and hosted by the Calgary Homeless Foundation will feature expert key note speakers, a short play on the lived experience of homelessness and a performance by Indigenous hip/hop artist, Jerilynn Webster. Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir will also be attending. Over 80 presenters from across Alberta will present on a diversity of topics and programs including housing first, youth homelessness, trauma informed care, outreach services, Indigenous relations, and the integration of housing, supports and services in community and across systems of care.