Fort Chip Métis Nation

FORT CHIP MÉTIS NATION STATEMENT ON FIRE THAT DESTROYED LOCAL HISTORIC CHURCH

Fort Chipewyan, AB (August 25, 2022) – As has been widely reported, on August 25, 2022, at 2:34 a.m., the RCMP received a report of a fire at the Blessed Virgin Roman Catholic Church. While emergency crews responded, there was no saving the 100-year-old structure. The fire has been deemed suspicious by the RCMP. The church was vacant at the time of the fire and no one was harmed.

FCM President Kendrick Cardinal made the following statement:

The Fort Chip Métis Nation share the community’s mixed feelings about the loss of our church. This church—a historic fixture just off Mackenzie Avenue that has for years hosted worship ceremonies, funerals and community events—represented vastly different things to different people. The history of the church is deep and complex, not just for residential school survivors and their families but the whole community.

Some people saw the church as a place of worship. Others saw its presence as part of a system which stole our children.

We welcome members of our community to avail of our community resources if they are struggling.

 

WELLNESS SUPPORTS

Indian Residential School Survivors Society
1.866.925.4419Hope for Wellness 1.855.242.3310

Wellness Together Canada
1.866.585.0445 (Adults)/1.888.668.6810 (Youth)

Non-Insured Health Benefits Program
1.800.232.7301

Addiction Helpline 1.866.332.2322

Mental Health Help Line 1.877.303.2642

Suicide Prevention Line 1.833.456.4566

 

Kids Help Phone 1.800.668.6868

 

Local Support:

Nunee Health Centre 780.697.3650
Nunee Wellness 780.697.3900
Nunee Wellness On-Call 587.646.2072
SOS Crisis Line 780.743.4357

Text HOME to 741741

 

We are a strong people in Fort Chipewyan, and in times of struggle we stand together—whatever our differences—to offer support and love. Fort Chipewyan Metis Strong.

We will keep our members updated as more facts develop.

 

– Fort Chip Métis Nation