Michael Rabesca and his family gathered their essentials and departed Whatı as thick smoke engulfed the area. Following the evacuation order for his community, they relocated to Yellowknife, where they have been occupied with activities such as beading and visiting Walmart.
Ensuring the safety of his family is Rabesca’s top priority. He emphasized the importance of relocating to Yellowknife for their well-being, stating, “I told my daughter we have to go to Yellowknife. I tried to make her understand, we can’t stay home.”
At the Yellowknife evacuation center, Rabesca expressed hope that the community would unite to overcome the evacuation challenges. He expressed confidence in the firefighters’ efforts to safeguard Whatı from the advancing wildfire.
Approximately 300 evacuees had registered at Yellowknife’s Fieldhouse by Saturday afternoon. Whatı, a community of around 600 residents, issued the evacuation order after monitoring a wildfire approaching from the south.
As of Saturday evening, the fire remained approximately seven kilometers south of the community’s airport and had not progressed closer since Friday, although it expanded to the east, as reported by the N.W.T.’s Department of Environment and Climate Change.
To divert his thoughts from the situation at home, Rabesca planned to attend the X’ato Gathering and handgames tournament at the Yellowknife River, organized by Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Participating in the tournament would offer him a chance to engage in recreational activities and enjoy the event.
Yellowknives Dene First Nation Coun. Jeffrey Rosnawski extended his support to the evacuees, emphasizing the importance of accommodating Whatı’s residents in the handgames tournament and ensuring they could access their belongings during the evacuation.
The X’ato (fall) Gathering, a long-planned event by the First Nation, celebrates Yellowknives Dene culture through various activities such as language programs, a men’s handgames tournament, cribbage matches for elders, youth Dene games, and hourly bingos. The gathering site at the river holds historical significance as a traditional meeting place during the fall season, aiming to bring joy to participants.
Aaron Jeremick’a, a handgames player from Whatı, expressed gratitude for the support from Yellowknife residents. He highlighted the positive atmosphere at the tournament, emphasizing the unifying effect of handgames during challenging times.
With the closure of the Tłı̨chǫ all-season road and Highway 3, Leroy Rabesca, Michael Rabesca’s brother, shared the difficulties faced by community members due to the thick smoke and the ongoing evacuation. Despite the challenges, he acknowledged the support received and the need for assistance for those struggling with the evacuation process.
Wildfire communications officer Dana Bowen reported the deployment of air tankers and helicopters to combat the fire near Whatı. Despite temporary grounding of helicopters due to heavy smoke, efforts were underway to resume aerial operations once conditions improved. Ground crews were actively engaged in firefighting, with additional teams expected to join the efforts.
Anticipated wind shifts towards the northwest were projected to divert the fire away from the community. However, the timeline for lifting the evacuation order remained uncertain, contingent on the evolving fire conditions. Bowen assured that safety measures were a top priority to facilitate a safe return for residents once conditions allow.
