Left to Right: Sheryl Banria, Tim Fehr Ian Brown (Scotiabank Nipawin) Vice Chief Edward Lerat, Chief Zachary Whitecap, Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, Lyle Zorn, Lieutenant Glenna Cryderman, and Tracy Desjarlais (The Salvation Army) (Image Credit: Salvation Army/Submitted)

By Cam Lee

Home sweet home

Salvation Army, Scotiabank help Red Earth, Shoal Lake evacuees

May 22, 2026 | 2:01 PM

Back home and well-fed.

Residents of Red Earth and Shoal Lake Cree Nations have returned home after flooding from the rapidly melting snowpack.

The communities were evacuated early this month, and residents were sent to Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

“Rapid responses of both Chief Zachary Whitecap and Council, and Chief Erma Merasty and Council, guaranteed the safety of their [residents] with the most vulnerable being evacuated first,” said a news release from the Salvation Army. They and Scotiabank teamed up to support evacuees.

“[Residents] from both Red Earth and Shoal Lake started returning home last week, with the last group arriving home on Wednesday as water levels have dropped to acceptable levels.”

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The Salvation Army and Scotiabank teamed up for a two-week food drive, which they said attracted concerned local businesses and charities, including Richardson Home Hardware, Nipawin Kinsmen Club, Matt’s No Frills, Save IGA, and Nipawin Apostolic Church. They all came together to raise funds for groceries for those affected by the flooding.

“Together, over 337 grocery bags were packed with non-perishable food and laundry detergents,” the Salvation Army said.

Team members from the Salvation Army, Scotiabank, Prince Albert Grand Council, and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nation drove to Red Earth and Shoal Lake to meet with the chiefs to show their support on Thursday.

Chief Whitecap said that Red Earth had major floods in 2006, 2007, and 2011, and has experienced flooding ever since.

Scotiabank Nipawin Branch Manager Ian Brown said that “the bank cares, and communities need to come together in time of need, not only to build bridges, but also in solidarity, make the journey across and be great neighbours.”

—

cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Salvation Army, Scotiabank help Red Earth, Shoal Lake evacuees

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