Sask. First Nations declare state of emergency

The 11 First Nations of File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council declared a state of emergency April 16 as water levels rose near their communities and mass flooding was anticipated. They are seeking resources to mitigate the upcoming flood season. “The current (provincial disaster assistance program) system is failing our First Nations communities,” said Edmund Bellegarde, chairperson of the FHQTC, in a news release. “The provincial program imposes barriers for our First Nations to access adequate funding and puts our citizens’ basic needs at risk. There are serious health issues as a result of flooding impacts, such as families forced to live with mold.” The federal government funds the assistance program. “We are working with the province of Saskatchewan and First Nations to ensure communities are prepared for potential floods,” said an Aboriginal Affairs spokesman. “In order to help mitigate flood damages and in preparation for spring 2013, our government has provided funds to over 60 Saskatchewan First Nations for preparedness activities.”