On Wednesday September 6, 2023 at 11:00am, the Evacuation Order for Yellowknife was lifted. At 11:30 a.m. I left Behchoko for my home in Yellowknife. I had anticipated a long convoy of vehicles from the south, but I seemed to be the only vehicle travelling to Yellowknife. Only one other vehicle followed behind me. Many are still in the south. Some places along the highway are still very smoky.
The city is still very quiet. Only some services- groceries, stores, drug stores, gas stations -are available but on shortened schedules.
It is very good to be home. To my surprise, it was a very emotional journey back to Yellowknife. I stopped at one store and there I saw and approached one of the Firefighters. Bright yellow jacket.
I asked, “Did you stay behind to keep city safe?”
He replied, “Yes, I did. That’s what I do.”
With big tears in my eyes, (again) I shook his hand and thanked him.
He said, “Welcome back home. Enjoy your return.”
Wherever you go in my apartment building, at gas bars, grocery stores, etc - people stop to talk and share their evacuation stories.
I am so grateful to front line workers and the collaboration of all governments: Government of NT, Municipal Government of Yellowknife, and First Nations Government of Yellowknifers, Dettah and Ndilo.
Gratitude to all of you who prayed, emailed, called- masi t’a masi.
Now, we continue to remember our dear Sister Maggie and all residents of Hay River and Fort Smith who await their return to their homes. We remember all those who have experienced great losses, especially the village of Enterprise, NT.
Se Nothsi, Masi
Sister Diane Naud