Liidlii Kue and Fort Simpson community members are happy to be home three weeks after evacuations were issued. but problems remain for those returning.
Poor air quality is a blanket problem in the region due to severe wildfire smoke, with the community trying to secure access to N95 masks, especially for Elders and community members with lung and heart conditions.
Liidlii Kue Chief Kele Antoine said Wildland crews are still responding to burned areas, hotspots and ash pits.
“Some hotspots are still burning underground and may not be visible.”
The chief advised community members to stay indoors as much as possible and to keep windows and doors closed.
Chief Antoine said the community is concerned about wildfire smoke, which is severe enough that it is impacting members of the community regardless of their age or health status.
The chief said especially for Elders, young children, neighbours, and anyone with asthma, heart, or lung conditions the smoke conditions pose health concerns. Community members have been checking in on Elders and neighbours.
Community members who have N95 or P100 mask are being asked to wear those when going outdoors.
The Liidlii Kue government is working to bring more N95 masks to the community.
Community members who are struggling to cope due to the wildfires are being advised to reach out through in-person and phone support.
From July 21-28, LA Allen and Leerona Reid are scheduled to be at the Fort Simpson Village Office (second floor) available to talk.
Anyone who would like to book a time between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. is asked to call LA Allen at 587 832 1924 or Leerona Reid at 780 271 5997.
The Fort Simpson Health centre reopened on Wednesday. Evacuees are being referred to mental health wellness supports available through local community counselling programs.
N.W.T.’s Health Authority said resources can also be accessed via crisis lines or online through the mental health services e-portal.
The Health Authority said that a number of helpline responders are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week including through 811 services (or 1-844-259-1793). Nurses and other health care professionals can provide critical help needed for stress management, for dealing with suicidal thoughts, abuse, sexual assault, depression, anxiety, grief, loss and substance use.
Staff advised those who are impacted by the wildfires and evacuations that a number of services are available including a suicide crisis line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ( 9-8-8).
The Hope For Wellness hotline, offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. The toll-free Help Line (1-855-242-3310) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A live chat is also available online.
Kids Help phone is available for youth ages 25 years old or younger in need someone to talk to, the Kids Help Phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Texting and online chat options are also available 24/7.
Youth who would like to talk with a counselor can call the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text the word CONNECT to 686868.
Emotional and crisis referral services for Residential School Survivors can be accessed by phone by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
The authority said an MMIWG Crisis line is available for those in need 24 hours per day seven days per week, by calling 1-844-413-6649
For those who need to connect with Family Violence Shelter supports, whether in need of a safe place to stay, an Emergency Protection Order or someone to talk to, a crisis line is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week by calling 1-866-223-7775.
Anyone who would like more information and regional contacts can also head to their website at https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/shelter-network
