Message from our Management Team
“Like the smoke that comes and goes, this is a time of transition where good news one day is mixed with sad news the next. But one thing that doesn’t change is the spirit of our community, and the strength we share with each other.” – Feddie Louie, Executive Director, Tahltan Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
EOC Key Messages
The EOC is operating in Dease Lake 7 days a week (9-5) staffed by the Tahltan Band, Emergency Management BC and the Regional District of Kitimat/Stikine 250-771-5050. The Telegraph Creek Region is still in a state of emergency and the evacuation order for Telegraph Creek and Glenora is still in effect.
The EOC team is working hard to secure temporary housing in Dease Lake for evacuees. More updates will be provided as details are confirmed.
School District 87 has invited Tahltan evacuees to attend the Dease Lake School, where the 2018-19 academic year will begin on September 4. Parents should consult their website at http://www.sd87.bc.ca/ for more information and process details.
The wildfire has been quiet enough over the past few days for crews to do assessments in Telegraph Creek. These assessments are being conducted under very controlled methods, convoy in, convoy out, with crews staying together within the community.
Tahltan members who are unable to work due to evacuation are encouraged to apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits using the following wildfire reference code: 5986015986598600. Call 1-800-206-7218 for more information
Community Meetings
Minutes from the meeting that took place at the Dease Lake Community Hall on August 24th can be found HERE.
Upcoming Meetings
Dease Lake – August 28th at 8:00, Dease Lake Community Hall (possibility shifted to the 29th)
Iskut – August 27th, time and location to be confirmed
Telegraph Creek Wildfires
“There has been very little change over the last couple of days regarding our objectives and in the fire behaviour. The merged fire size is now estimated at 118,318 hectares. Work continues on the new fireguard north of Glenora between Winter and Dodjatin creeks to slow progression toward Glenora at the south end of the fire. Helicopters are bucketing in the area when visibility allows. Crews are using direct suppression tactics to reduce fire activity and to slow the spread of the fire. Minimizing growth and structural impacts in this area continues to be a priority. The fire burning on the north side of the Stikine, east of the Tanzilla River is exhibiting slow fire growth and helicopter bucketing is occurring when weather permits. Areas of the fire did receive some precipitation overnight.” Heather Rice & Jody Lucius, Fire Information Officers 250-771-3203
A detailed update on the Alkali Lake fire can be found HERE.
Tahltan Evacuee Services
Dease Lake
People’s Haven – Open 24 hours a day, ESS services, health and social support services, donation center, general support for community members and families 250-771-5577.
Samaritans Purse – Meals, social support services, disaster relief/ash sifting 250-771-3056.
Iskut
Iskut Band Office – Education and Membership Services, ESS services on call 250-234-3331
Iskut Valley Health Services – Health and social support services 250-234-3511.
Terrace
Northwest Integrative Healthcare Centre – Mental support services 250-635-0980.
Terrace Reception Centre – FNHA and ESS services 4545 Lazelle Ave 250-615-6100 | ESS Emergency Hotline 250-641-2443
Kitsumkalum – Daily meals (12:00 pm and 6:00 pm) and gathering place
Indian Residential School Survivors Society – Mental support services 250-975-0567
Pharmasave – Medications refills 250-635-2206
Donation Centre – Food, toiletries, blankets 5412 Highway 16 West, 9am to 9pm
We are working each day to restore regular services for our members (health, cultural, education, social and others). Once we have contact information for these services they will be shared.
Donations
Those interested in donating to the Telegraph Creek Relief Fund, please contact Calvin Carlick, Executive Director, Tahltan Central Government. Email: executivedirector@tahltan.org Phone: (250)-771-3274