Wildfire evacuees find solace and sense of a Family at DRFN community dinner in Centennial Park

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — One of the largest pillars of strength in Indigenous culture is the sense of community and togetherness.

That theme was evident in Centennial Park in Fort St. John on May 17th, as Doig River First Nation (DRFN) hosted a gathering for evacuees of the wildfires that forced their members, Fort Nelson, and Fort Nelson First Nation to flee and head to Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.

Some have found the adjustment difficult, such as DRFN Elder Sam Acko, a band storyteller.  

He had recently returned from a trip to Alberta when news came to evacuate his home.

The Doig River wildfire is currently 650 hectares as of Friday evening and is listed by BC Wildfire Service as “being held.”

“It was so empty. I didn’t hear dogs or anything,” Acko said. “Everything is quiet now.  It’s not a good feeling.  We have to worry about others, that worry stays with you.”

“Some Elders don’t want to leave home, but now they have no choice because of the fire. They have to leave for safety.”

Organized by DRFN’s cultural and language department,  the dinner was planned in the space of 48 hours.

According to cultural and language manager Thomas Whitton, the event was initially booked for 200 guests.  However, that number grew to almost 1,500. 

Local caterers and restaurants, including Aniela’s Kitchen, EATeteria, Cool Beans Cafe, One Stop Sandwich Shop, and Olive Tree, supplied food.

According to Jeanette Johnston, owner of  Aniela’s Kitchen, being able to help in a time of need was all she needed to lend a hand. 

Johnston helms a volunteer club in Fort St. John and has served with the city’s Emergency Support Services (ESS). For her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, she won the 2021 Fort St. John Mayor’s Citizen of the Year award.

“Each time we get asked to do something like this, I don’t know the word,” said Johnston.  “But it makes you feel good to be a part of helping others and preparing them a home-cooked meal.”

According to DRFN councillor Starr Acko, undertakings such as dinners involve people from different walks of life in a similar situation.

“It’s important for us to come together. Times are scary right now,” said Acko.

Acko says the DRFN council meets daily to plan when residents may return after the evacuation from the fire.

“[Doig’s Emergency Operations Centre staff] is constantly communicating with the council so we can keep members up to date,” said Acko.

After the meal, ceremonial drummers took the stage in Centennial Park and performed amidst rainy conditions.

Among the notable attendees was Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Mayor Rob Fraser, who came to reassure some Fort Nelson residents about what is happening close to home.

There are three wildfires in the Fort Nelson area, with the closest from Parker Lake measuring 12,329 hectares as of Friday.

“The organizers did a fantastic job putting this together,” said Fraser. “This dinner allows me to come down and talk to people and try to alleviate some of their fears.”

 “Residents aren’t there, so they don’t know what’s happening.”

The gathering also included children’s activities and bouncy castles donated by the North Peace Community Foundation.