More Saskatchewan First Nations opening 'Rez Cross' evacuation centres

An experiment that started at the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation earlier this week is expanding.

The Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation has set up an evacuation centre in its school that will hold around 100 people.

• Saskatchewan First Nation sets up 'Rez Cross' wildfire evacuation centre

While not officially sanctioned Red Cross evacuation centres, the 'Rez Cross' centres are maintained and operated by First Nations and tribal councils.

"We know how it is to be far from home," coordinator Christina Little said. "And we knew that we have the capacity and the facilities to be able to house some of these evacuees. That's why we started to get together and coordinate what we could do on our end."

The First Nation is sending vans and buses to evacuation centres to pick people up today in Cold Lake and Prince Albert.

As of now, the First Nation is paying for the project with no help from anyone else. It isbuying cots, bedding and food for people. The community said it's a good use of money.

"We have people here on our endthat are taking in donations and our volunteers that are out here saying, 'What can what can we do to help?'" she said. "Our community has really come together."

The Muskeg Lake Cree Nationis also in the process of setting up its own evacuation centre. It's waiting for final approval from the Prince Albert Grand Council.

Muskeg Lake recently allowed a family who were staying at an evacuation centre to camp on its reserve.

"They have four kids," band councillor Barrett Greyeyes said. "That's a big family to be staying in dorms."

Greyeyes said it's important to extend hospitality to people who need it.

"We're all from the same community and background," he said. "One day it may be us. Let's hope it never happens, but if it did, I would hope that people do the same for my community.