Siksika First Nation declares state of emergency due to cold-induced power outage

A state of emergency has been declared in Siksika First Nation due to the extreme cold and homes being without power.

Siksika Nation Tribal Administration said in a Facebook post at around 9:30 a.m. that ATCO Gas notified them the regulators are down.

In an update around 11 a.m., a Chief and Council meeting was held, where a motion on a state of emergency was declared.

“A MOTION was MADE and SECONDED to enter into a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) due to the extreme cold weather, effective January 13, 2024,” the statement reads.

As a result, Siksika Nation Chief and Council along with the Siksika Emergency Management Team and Administration Essential Services are making preparations to assist members.

This is being done by preparing the Deerfoot Sportsplex for residents to stay warm and shuttles for transportation scheduled for people who need transportation.

In addition, it is working with “all essential services to coordinate additional supports as needed.”

The Nation asks families with elders and children who have no heat in their homes to contact Tom Many Heads at 403-361-1527 to make arrangements for hotel accommodations.

The state of emergency will be in place for the next couple of days “until it’s deemed safe” and the emergency has dissipated.

Anyone who needs emergency assistance is asked to continue calling the dispatch number at 403-734-3815.

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