About 200 people gathered in Saskatoon Thursday night at a fundraiser for victims of this summer’s northern Saskatchewan forest fires.
Fires raged in the north for much of June and July affecting a number of communities of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
The “Tanning Hides” event was organized by Saskatoon Tribal Council, Police Service and Fire Department, who joined forces to put on the event.
Tribal Chief Felix Thomas says even though the communities affected by the forest fires have long since returned home, they realize the rebuilding process is ongoing.
“We realize that once evacuees went home, it didn’t stop there, that they still had to rebuild,” Thomas said.
“They have to rebuild, even their food supply and as well a clothes, bedding, some had some challenges. We had some that lost everything in the fires.”
STC partnered with Saskatoon Police Service and fire department to plan the night.
Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson says the First Nation still has to pay off about $600,000 in expenses run up dealing with the fires and the financial aid is much appreciated.
“We’ve had so many people pour out to us, to pour out their support and show their compassion. And it just, every bit helps and we’re really grateful,” she said.
Prince Albert Grand Council Chief Ron Michel was at a loss for words in trying to describe how much appreciated the outpouring of help is.
“I’m really deeply, you know, I just can’t say how to thank them,” he said.
About 200 people came out to the event which featured a celebrity roast format.