Joe – Edmonton
Small Community; Giant Heart
It has been a year but I can still remember the swirling emotion of that day. The aborted attempt to return home, the terrifying sight of trees “candletopping,” the sense of dismay as we realized that the way home was blocked and the anxious uncertainty as we headed north of the city searching for food, fuel and shelter.
It has been one year since Mark and I were trapped by the wildfire in Fort McMurray. Our attempt to head south out of that city was stymied by the incredibly aggressive wildfire and the RCMP who turned us back for our own safety. The city was being evacuated and we were forced to head north.
We were getting very low on fuel so we chose Fort McKay as our first destination, trusting that we would be able to refuel and find some sustenance. First we reported to the Band Office and registered. We were welcomed with open arms by caring and empathetic people whose concern for our wellbeing was genuine and generous.
Our first night was spent listening to every scrap of information regarding the fire and attempts to shift people south. We were able to partially refuel and the communal kitchen fed us. It was very late by the time we made our way to bed. We slept in makeshift beds in the community hall anxious that the fire may turn and force yet another evacuation. The community hall became our kitchen, dining room, bedroom, meeting area and social focal point. The children played outside or on the floor inside. Families arranged activities to keep them amused.
But it was the people of the community that worked together to feed and house us that made the biggest impression on me. They put forth a mighty effort to make sure we wanted for nothing, opening their elder’s facilities, arena and community hall and grounds to cover all the amenities required. They pulled long shifts in the kitchen, serving nutritious and tasty food all day long feeding the multitudes that descended on their village for succor. I am convinced that the community population swelled to more than double its size during the first days following the evacuation as wave after wave of evacuees were welcomed.
The members of that community pulled together and sported good humor throughout. Even in the ensuing days when the adventure becomes a never ending chore did they break character; they just continued to make us feel welcome and catered to our needs. They provided all they could and more, a sympathetic ear when needed, warm food and shelter and a place to wash away the smoke and ash – all provided with good humor and a smile. I am honored to have been exposed to such giving, caring and unselfish people and they will always occupy a soft spot in my heart.
