West Point First Nation's oldest house dragged by floodwaters

West Point First Nation Chief Kenneth Cayen says the aftermath of the flood has changed the face of his community, and the very first house built in the community has moved a shocking distance.

The oldest home in the community was built in the 1950s but now it may not be structurally sound, he said. 

The community had plans to preserve it as a historical landmark, but now they are unsure if it can be saved.

Flooding moved Hay River House

3 years ago

Duration 0:25

Take a look at how far flood waters carried the oldest house in Hay River's West Point First Nation. This is part of the aftermath people in the community are facing after unprecedented flooding earlier this month.

Cayen said it may have to be demolished after waters pushed it across the road, moving it at least five entire lots away. 

The home is resting partially on a vehicle several hundred feet from where it was built.

Residential homes damaged

Cayen spoke with CBC in the community on Thursday, where he pointed out the extent of the damage.

"We lost a bunch of houses ... It's pretty devastating for our people," said Cayen.

Some homes were already put up on pilings past the 1963 flood water line, but the mitigation was no match for this year's water levels, he said.

The historic home and several others are presumed to have been picked up by the river, crashing into each other. Multiple units were dragged off their foundations.

Cayen said his uncle recently put all of his savings into his house to renovate it for his family.

He said the community will have to put repaired homes on pilings when they rebuild the community.