The Tłı̨chǫ government organized the rescue of 42 paddlers, who were safely evacuated after encountering a wildfire on August 3.
The paddlers were taking part Trails of Our Ancestors, a popular summer program offered through the Tłı̨chǫ Government’s Department of Culture and Lands Protection. The 42 paddlers were part of a larger group taking part which included over 160 paddlers.
On July 28, 66 paddlers on eleven canoes left Wekweètì and were reported to be doing well, but were a couple of days behind schedule due to low water levels.
The Gamètì group, included 42 paddlers. After encountered a wildfire in the early hours of August 3, the group paddled north to safety. Some paddlers were able to return to Gamètì before smoke conditions in the area worsened.
A representative from NWT Fire reported that the Tłı̨chǫ Government organized the swift rescue of the paddlers who were flown to the Edzo airport and transported to Behchokǫ̀. Great Slave Helicopters and Acasta Helicopter crews brought the participants to safety.
The paddlers are now staying with family or friends in Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife, and a few paddlers are staying in hotels for the time being.
True North FM reached out to the Tłı̨chǫ government for more details and hope to add more updates on this story soon.
