West of Calgary, the Stoney Nakoda First Nation sits on a massive section of land, situated north and south of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Morley resident Jenny Clark says the flooding in the region is more aggressive, and the damage expected to be far worse, than the flooding of 2005.
Late last week, within a matter of hours, the road to Clark’s property was washed away. A terrifying hike to get her grandchildren to safety followed.
CTV Calgary received a guided tour of the hardest hit areas of the First Nation (which remain accessible to vehicles).
Approximately 300 families have been displaced from their homes are now living at the Morley High School.
People in Morley say they are disappointed with the lack of communication from the provincial government, but are extremely grateful for the kindness of strangers at this difficult time.
Donations began pouring into the First Nation on Sunday. Among the contributors, a Canmore couple who themselves had been stranded for days. Once Bee Isaac and her husband had access to the highway, they packed their vehicle with water and supplies and drove east.
“If they need the help, they’re gonna get the help,” says Isaac. “We’re going to go back there to Canmore and tell them ‘Okay, we are under strife but the First Nations are under strife too, so let's do something’.”
Food banks from Cochrane and Calgary have been helping to supply food to the displaced but there remains a need for several items including.
- Baby formula
- Baby food
- Essential supplies
Donations may be dropped off at the Morley High School.
With files from Elissa Carpenter
