Hope Rises as Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw Rebuilds After Wildfires
The Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw community in north Shuswap, British Columbia, is slowly recovering after being devastated by destructive wildfires. Embers rained down as Chief James Tomma and his brothers sought refuge in a river, narrowly escaping the wrath of the fire. Over 31 homes, including Tomma’s and his brother’s, were destroyed, leaving the community in ruins. However, the silver lining is that everyone made it out safely before the fire consumed the town.
Now, just a week later, Chief Tomma is optimistic about rebuilding the community with the support of various levels of government. While his own home remains in ruins, he vows not to begin reconstruction until other members of the community have found shelter once again. The major infrastructure, such as the Band office, fire hall, and some community housing, still stands, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
But the path to recovery is uncertain, not only for Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw but also for numerous other communities affected by the wildfires across British Columbia. The fires have left behind a trail of destruction, making it challenging for officials to assess and report the extent of the damage. Homes have been reduced to ashes, power lines have collapsed, and key landmarks have been razed, making it difficult for residents to know the fate of their homes and properties.
The waiting game is excruciating for those hoping to learn the fate of their dwellings. In the Shuswap region alone, at least 131 homes were destroyed, while the Grouse fire complex in the Kelowna area claimed at least 181 properties. However, determining the full scale of the damage takes time, as officials meticulously investigate and provide accurate information to affected residents.
Misinformation compounds the anguish experienced by Chief Tomma and others. Temporary relief turned to heartbreak as false reports initially suggested his home was spared, only to be corrected later. The process of informing community members about the loss of their homes is heart-wrenching, exacerbating the pain caused by the wildfires.
While some evacuation orders have been lifted in certain areas, including Kelowna and Sorrento, it does not mean that these places are ready for habitation. Assessments by B.C. Hydro, FortisBC, and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure are necessary to ensure the safety of essential services such as electricity, water, and gas, as well as the viability of roads and bridges. Despite the eagerness of residents to return home, patience is crucial as officials work tirelessly to make the affected areas safe once again.
Chief Tomma estimates that the cost of rebuilding the homes and buildings lost by the First Nation could reach $50 million. However, it is too early to gauge the full extent of the damage to water, electricity, and sewage systems. The community will rely on government support to rebuild and provide its members with a sense of stability during these challenging times.
Yet, the task of rebuilding extends beyond physical structures. Losing one’s home goes beyond the loss of a house; it disrupts the lives and memories of individuals and communities. Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw and other affected communities are courageously facing the devastating loss while slowly finding hope and strength in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the road to recovery for Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw and other wildfire-affected communities in British Columbia will be arduous. It will require time, support, and substantial resources to rebuild what has been lost. As the residents begin to rebuild their lives, the scars of this devastating event will serve as a reminder of their resilience and the importance of cherishing the concept of home.
