Hay River evacuees, anxious but grateful, settle in at Yellowknife's evacuation center

Since the early hours of Thursday morning, displaced residents of Hay River, N.W.T., and Kátł'odeeche First Nation have been looking for places to stay. Some have opted to seek refuge with family and friends or book hotels, but many depend on evacuation centers. 

During a public briefing on Thursday, the Northwest Territories government said that there are evacuation centres in Yellowknife, Enterprise, Fort Smith and Fort Providence.

Initially, displaced residents were asked to go to Enterprise for more information, or to the Yellowknife's multiplex. 

As of Friday, some were still arriving at the multiplex, where they tried to remain positive, despite not knowing the full extent of damage that awaits them. 

In the dining hall, Rita Plunkett and Elaine Lamalice talked about the past few days and reflected on the heavy situation. 

Plunkett has talked to people who have lost everything, but she tried to remind them that "material things can be replaced, it's life that's important," she said.

While there's a lot to be anxious about, they're grateful for the sense of community and support they've received while at the multiplex. Especially for the staff, who they said provide great food and support. 

Walter Selamio arrived by bus a couple of days ago. When asked where he lives, he pointed at the evacuation center, and said "there, for the time being." He said he typically stays at the shelter in Hay River. 

Overall, he's also grateful for all of the support provided. 

"Everything's good," Selamio said. "At least we're not under water [here]." 

Dolly Martel lives in Yellowknife, but was born and raised on the Kátł'odeeche reserve. She currently has around 12 or 13 evacuees staying with her. Some are family, others just needed a place to stay. 

"I know how it feels to feel like when you have nowhere to go, so it was really important for me to open my doors to family or whoever," said Martel. 

Now she's trying to find places for elders to stay, so they don't have to sleep on a cot and fear getting sick or being uncomfortable. 

She's also urging people to help support anyone displaced in whatever way they can, which includes just being kind.