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
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
DEVELOPING Defence witness who angered the judge in Trump's hush money trial will return to the stand
A defence witness in Donald Trump's hush money case whom the judge threatened to remove from the trial over his behaviour will return to the stand Tuesday as the trial nears its end.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.