Enterprise, N.W.T., says thanks to Alberta towns that hosted wildfire evacuees last year

People in the community of Enterprise, N.W.T., wanted to show their thanks to two Alberta communities that offered them support during last year's wildfire evacuations — so last week, they sent some gifts to High Level and Peace River, Alta., as a gesture of appreciation.

The Alberta communities welcomed people from the South Slave last August when wildfires threatened several communities. 

"Most of the community was in a hotel down there, and they provided all kinds of gift cards and stuff, and assisted with a whole wide range of things while they were there," said Enterprise's deputy mayor, Jim Dives.

The mayor of Enterprise, Barb Hart, delivered the gift to the mayor of Peace River, and Dives delivered the gift to the mayor of High Level, on behalf of the council.

Dives and Hart presented two framed pictures to each of the towns, one featuring a pair of handmade moccasin uppers made by Bushe River artist Sharon Wasp-Colin, and the other a collage of images and sayings representing the spirit of Enterprise.

Dives said the gesture was important and a part of his community's rebuilding process. The small hamlet of approximately 80 people was almost completely destroyed in August 2023 when a wildfire breached the community shortly after the mass evacuation.

"Rebuilding isn't just about putting up walls again — it's about making sure we're all looking out for each other," Dives said. "Just like we did when we opened our homes during the flood evacuation."

Enterprise took in evacuees from Hay River and K'atl'odeeche First Nation after mass flooding in 2022, and also during wildfires in May 2023.

Dives only briefly stayed in High Level when he left Enterprise last year but said the warm welcome received by N.W.T. evacuees was appreciated. He emphasized the importance of communities supporting each other in times of need.

"When people are in need, if there isn't anybody there to give you a hand, that's a pretty crappy world," Dives said. "If you can't look after your neighbours, who are you going to look after?" 

'We're from the North, and we help our neighbours out'

High Level Mayor Crystal McAteer said receiving the heartfelt token of appreciation from Enterprise was humbling.

She said it wasn't easy to watch the exhausted and sometimes traumatized residents arrive in High Level on that fateful August evening, but the community did what they could to help.

"They had endured a harrowing journey through fire and smoke, witnessed burning vehicles along the roadside," she said. "Then faced the devastating news that their entire community had been lost. 

Despite the enormity of Enterprises's losses, McAteer said their team provided comfort and support where they could in the most compassionate way possible.

"We don't do evacuations for accolades," said McAteer. "We're from the North, and we help our neighbours out."

She said High Level has been routinely hosting evacuees for years now, and every year there are more. 

The town of High Level has taken in thousands of displaced northern residents over the years, and some are still living in hotels in the community. McAteer said the community of Chateh, Alta., was evacuated twice in recent years, with local residents coming to High Level. 

"We know how scary it is," she said.

"We had 2,000 people coming in at four o'clock in the morning, and that look in their eyes is just one of defeat, and they're scared."

She said the gifts of appreciation from Enterprise would be prominently displayed in the town's main hall, serving as a reminder of the solidarity shown during the evacuations.

She said High Level has a small but dedicated team that works tirelessly to ensure that evacuees have a safe place to stay. She also said there are countless other volunteers who contribute behind the scenes, often without expecting or receiving recognition.

"People are thankful, but the right people are never thanked. Our volunteers — who open up their properties, donate water, and provide meals — deserve so much more appreciation," she said.

McAteer also wanted to recognize the numerous letters of thanks to High Level from Yellowknife, Enterprise, and Fort Smith, N.W.T., acknowledging the town's hospitality during the evacuation.

"It just means the world to our staff and our community," McAteer said.