NWT Emergency Response Update - June 08, 2023 5:00pm

Public Safety Bulletin

Communities remain lead on response activities. Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations are fully activated and providing resources for planning, coordination, and support to community emergency management operations.

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Current status

Sambaa K’e

  • Residents of Sambaa K'e were evacuated due to wildfire concerns.
  • An evacuation order was issued on behalf of Sambaa K'e First Nation.
  • An evacuation centre has been stood up in Fort Simpson for Sambaa K’e residents requiring group lodging, food, and assistance.
  • Two community spokespersons have been appointed to provide more information for evacuees.

Kátł'odeeche First Nation

Wildfires Recovery Pathfinder (Kátł'odeeche First Nation)

A GNWT Pathfinder has been appointed to provide information on questions evacuees may have. You should regularly check your community government updates for the latest information.   

The pathfinder is available Monday-Friday 9am - 4:30pm.

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Returning home safely after a wildfire

Returning home after a wildfire affected the area may be stressful and traumatic. This guide will help you know what to do and where to get help. Before returning home think about what you will see, hear and smell in your community upon return to emotionally prepare yourself and your family. Your community may have changed dramatically.

Keep yourself safe and healthy, with the checklists in the guide.

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Wildfire Status

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Roads and Airports

For the latest information on NWT Highways, please refer to the Highway Conditions Map.

Sambaa K’e Airport

  • Airport access restricted to medevac and fire operations only (with prior permission) until further notice.

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Evacuee Accommodations

Evacuation Reception Centres

Sambaa K’e

  • An Evacuation Reception Centre has been established in Fort Simpson for evacuees from Sambaa K’e. Two community spokespersons have been appointed to provide more information for evacuees.

Kátł’odeeche First Nation

  • As of June 1, all evacuees who had been staying overnight at the Yellowknife Reception Centre have returned home or made alternate arrangements for accommodations.
  • On June 3rd, 2023 the last evacuees being lodged at the evacuation centre in Yellowknife returned to Hay River;
  • On June 7th, 2023, the last KFN members who were using emergency evacuation supports in Yellowknife have left.
  • There is no longer a need for emergency reception supports in Yellowknife. These services ended at 5PM on June 7th, 2023.
  • Local supports are available in the KFN/Hay River area.
  • For all information specific to your community, reach out to your community government.

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Health Services for Evacuees

Hay River regional health centre has been restored to normal operations.

Healthcare providers are available to assist with health needs of Sambaa K’e evacuees. This includes regular appointments prescription refills, etc.

  • Call the Fort Simpson Health Centre at 867-695-7000 and identify yourself as an evacuee so we can direct your calls appropriately.

Mental Health Services for Evacuees

If you or someone you know has been impacted by a wildfire, checking in with a mental health and counselling resource may be helpful.  Services available include:

  • Community mental health supports in Hay River have resumed as of May 29th, 2023. To access these services please contact the Community Counselling Program at 867-874-8450. 

  • Outreach drop in addictions programming is being offered every Wednesday & Friday afternoon from 1pm-4pm at the Centennial Library. 

  • Community based mental health programs are available across all Regions. Information on how to access services in the Regions, including information on e-Mental Health and 24/7 supports can be found here : Mental Health Resources and Supports | Health and Social Services Authority (nthssa.ca)

The following supports are also available:

  • NWT Help Line: 1-800-661-0844
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Or text CONNECT to 686868
  • Wellness Together Canada: Adults: 1-866-585-0445, Youth: 1-888-668-6810
  • Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566
  • Hope For Wellness: 1-855-242-3310
  • Family Violence Crisis line: 1-866-223-7775

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Financial Support for Evacuees

The Evacuee Income Disruption Support program

  • The Evacuee Income Disruption Support program assists individuals who have lost employment income due to extended evacuation periods.
  • Provides financial support to adults 17+ whose employment has been disrupted by an evacuation lasting more than seven days.
  • Eligible residents can receive a one-time payment of $750.
  • For more information on how to apply:

The Community Government Hosting Evacuees Grant

  • The Community Government Hosting Evacuees Grant provides financial assistance to eligible community governments that host evacuees outside of a designated Evacuation Centre.
  • To be eligible for the grant, community governments must host 10 or more registered evacuees.
  • Funding starts at $20,000 and is capped at $40,000, and is based on total evacuees hosted.
  • Funding can be requested after an evacuation order has been in place for seven or more days.

Business Relief

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NWT Parks

For information on fire bans, check the NWT Parks website and in-person at NWT Parks.  

Dehcho Parks

  • Powered camping sites have been reserved at the Fort Simpson Territorial Park for Sambaa K’e wildfire evacuees.
    • Evacuees should contact park contractor, Stanley Paul (on site) for further direction.
  • For more information about Dehcho Parks, contact Stephanie Hardisty at Stephanie_Hardisty@gov.nt.ca or (867) 695-7515     

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Public Housing

Sambaa K'e

  • Nahendeh District Office (for Sambaa K’e evacuees): 867-695-7700 
  • Fort Simpson Housing Authority (for Sambaa K’e evacuees): 867-695-2725
  • Housing NWT Toll-Free Number: 1-844-NWT-HOME (1-844-698-4663)
  • Housing NWT staff continue to assess public housing units in Sambaa K’e and there are no issues at this time. Housing NWT will be in contact with Sambaa K’e housing clients.

Kátł’odeeche First Nation

  • Hay River Housing Authority: 867-874-6477
  • Housing NWT Toll Free Number: 1-844-NWT-HOME (1-844-698-4663)
  • Housing NWT has assessed the public housing units in KFN and will be in contact with KFN housing clients.
  • KFN Members are able to return to the Reserve, but please be advised that not all services (power, water, sewer) have been restored. KFN Public housing tenants are asked to contact the Hay River Housing Authority if they need housing support.

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Actions today

Emergency Management Organization (EMO) Activation:

  • The Territorial, South Slave, and Dehcho Emergency Management Organizations (EMO) remain activated.
  • The South Slave REMO, Deh Cho REMO, and Territorial EMO is in regular communication with and providing ongoing support to the communities of Sambaa K’e First Nation, Town of Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation for wildfires.

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Priorities for operations tomorrow

  • Continued monitoring of wildfire to assure safety of evacuees.
  • Continued support to Sambaa K’e, Town of Hay River, Kátł’odeeche First Nation and partner agencies.

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Staying safe in an emergency

For the latest, most accurate emergency information, continue checking for updates with your local community government and visit www.gov.nt.ca/public-safety.

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Donations

Monetary donations are being accepted by United Way NWT.

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More information

NWT Alert

Follow the latest emergency alerts here: https://nwtalert.ca/#/

NWT Wildfire

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