The Thunderchild First Nation is appealing to the public for toothbrushes, canned meals, clothing and other goods to help 17 families left homeless by a fire.
On Monday afternoon, flames swept through a dormitory that was being used by the residents.
Aaron Ledoux is a public works director with the band and he says the cause of the blaze is still unknown but the housing unit was completely destroyed.
“Well, we’ve lost everything,” he says. “I spoke to a few contractors who were out there yesterday and they’re guestimating anywhere from 600,000 to a million for cleanup. The one side is totally gone and we’ve lost a kitchen and classroom on the technical side and there’s water everywhere.”
He adds the families are currently staying at a hotel in Turtleford.
The band’s leadership is talking to Aboriginal Affairs for help while an adjuster is expected to arrive soon.