RezCross now open on Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation

As wildfires continue to spread, the RezCross Emergency Evacuation Centre has been activated under Operation Red Willow.

“Our community has always lent a helping hand when called to do so… and our community has always been a gathering place for folks coming to our territories,” said Councillor responsible for emergency management, Melanie Gardypie, in a press release.

“We are known in Cree as wastahimakiw iyiniwak – ‘the waving people’ because of our good nature, and our hospitality. We’re going to continue that by opening RezCross again for our relations fleeing the devastating wildfires in Northern Saskatchewan.”

RezCross will be held at the Willow Cree Memorial Sports Centre to help evacuees from the northern communities and according to the release, the initiative was created 10 years ago and worked by “providing holistic, culturally grounded care for evacuees, led by compassionate community members who understand the unique realities faced by our First Nations relatives.”

As such, volunteers are needed to help support the emergency shelter and is putting out a call to help a number of duties, including cooking, providing security, administration

According to Loressa Mike, Emergency Management Officer for Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation, they will make requests as they go along.

“What we do need right now is toothpaste, toothbrushes, and deodorant,” she said in part of the release.

Anyone wishing to help may phone: Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle Baldhead: 639-212-7081 and updates will be posted on Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation Emergency Management page on Facebook.