Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

WILDFIRE EVACUATIONS

‘They pull together’: Tk’emlúps community welcoming wildfire evacuees

Jul 5, 2021 | 5:20 PM

TK’EMLUPS, B.C. — Since opening up the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour to wildfire evacuees, Tk’emlúps volunteers have been given a flood of donations — including food, water, blankets, clothing and camping supplies.

Sherry Peters is one of the coordinators behind the effort, and says it’s been a busy time for volunteers. Thankfully, Peters says donations of clothing and other items have been doing so well that at this point, they’re asking for gift cards for fuel and grocery stores.

“We have set up evacuees, you are more than welcome to come and camp down here,” she explains. “We have the showers open, we have have fresh water, we have an open kitchen.”

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Indigenous communities and survivors are still grieving the discovery of 215 burial sites near the former Kamloops indian Residential School, and dealing with resurfaced trauma. But many have come out in droves to feed evacuees, and firefighters.

One of the food centre volunteers, Lydia, spoke with CFJC crews today and described her motivation to help out. Lydia shared that she herself is a survivor of the residential school system.

“Even though I suffer inside, I take the best, and put it forward. And that’s what I think the world needs to do.”

(A list of resources for survivors can be accessed here: Support services for residential school survivors in B.C.)

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc offering up camping space, meals and supplies is similar to what happened during the fire-charred summer of 2017. Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir described the community’s energy as ‘relentless’.

“It doesn’t matter how hot it is, it doesn’t matter — they pull together. And I’m so proud of my community, I’m so proud of our relations throughout Secwepemcúl’ecw who come here as well.” Casimir explains,

Casimir was joined by BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee, who says more than 20 communities have already been impacted by fires around the Interior. Sparks Lake, Lytton Creek and Durand Lake wildfires have forced several bands to evacuate.

Tk’emlups Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir and BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee speaking outside of Moccasin Square Garden at Tk’emlups on Monday. (Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today)

“Sadly, as climate change occurs this is predicted that it’s going to happen more and more. So really, myself here as part of BCAFN, we’re really just following Tk’emlúps’ lead and making sure that we’re here to support any way we can.” says Teegee.

“After coming out of this heat wave, it’s really left us vulnerable. So it’s really important and we really appreciate all the work that Tk’emlúps is doing.”

Darcy Deneault and his family evacuated from the Skeetchestn reserve, and Deneault says he has great appreciation for the response centre. As they figure out meals and where to stay during this time, he says constant communication from fire teams in Skeetchestn has given him an idea of what’s going on back home.

“It really helps when they send us the detailed information — like where the fire is. Because we all know the reserve well, we know the territory well. And all they have to do is tell us where it is, and how its acting.”

As evacuated communities wait to see what will happen, Tk’emlups will maintain meals, camping spaces, and distributing donations for as long as necessary.

“Everyone here is more than welcome to please come here and feed your children,” reiterates Peters. “Please feed your children, don’t be shy to come here — you’re more than welcome.”

Volunteers says gift cards for fuel or groceries are welcome donations, alongside food supplies for the kitchen. Donations can be brought to Moccasin Square Gardens or the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour, and those wishing to volunteer can come to either location for direction.