Peguis First Nation declares state of emergency over chronic flooding, deplorable housing conditions
Cheryl-Lee Spence and her children have been displaced by flooding on Peguis First Nation multiple times.
The last evacuation lasted eight months, and they had eight kids and two adults in a hotel room.
“It was very stressful, it was hard emotionally and keeping our kids crammed in a hotel, it’s not living,” said Spence.
The family came home last October to a foot of water in the basement, damage to the home, and theft.
This was on top of the chronic mold problem in the house which made her and her children sick.
“Three were hospitalized, my youngest one was a recent one where she was put in the ICU twice,” said Spence.
Peguis First Nation estimates around 120 homes are condemned in the community but because of a shortage of housing, people live in some of them anyway.
The leaders here have declared a state of emergency to bring attention to the overland flooding which occurs every other year and the related housing crisis.
“The scars left by these waters are not visible only on buildings alone, but are evident in the eyes and the hearts of our people,” said Chief Stan Bird.
They want help from the federal and provincial governments and say the flooding, constant displacements, and lack of housing are taking a toll on residents of all ages, as reports of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and self-harm are overwhelming support workers.
“The answer is to allow Peguis to do what they see fit, how to help the families,” said Patricia Caribou from Peguis Wellness Team.
Meantime, kids are struggling to get an education, the roads are in such bad shape from flooding, and there are too many days when the buses don’t run.
The call for help comes after the First Nation recently launched a lawsuit against all three levels of government seeking compensation due to a lack of flood protection.
“It highlights our resolve to ensure that the days of neglect and oversight at the expense of Peguis are over,” said Bird.
Spence hopes help is on the way, as some have nowhere to go.
“There’s probably about 15 people living inside the rec centre right now as a homeless shelter, and that place should have been torn down,” Spence said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Amber Alert issued for 2 toddlers near Quebec City
Police have issued an Amber Alert for two children who have gone missing from the Saint-Raphaël area.
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a 'tragic mistake' had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and killed at least 45 people, according to local officials.
What Canadian grocery shoppers need to know about anticompetitive allegations
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Latest deadly weather in U.S. kills at least 20 as storms carve path of ruin across multiple states
Powerful storms killed at least 20 people, injured hundreds and left a wide trail of destruction across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where dozens sought shelter during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
North Korea says its attempt to put another spy satellite into orbit has failed
A North Korean rocket carrying its second spy satellite exploded midair on Monday, state media reported, after its neighbours strongly rebuked its planned launch.