An Indigenous community in northern Alberta has filed a legal case against the provincial government regarding its handling of a destructive wildfire that occurred three years ago. The East Prairie Metis Settlement is taking legal action against the Alberta government, claiming that it did not adequately safeguard the community during the crisis. The lawsuit asserts that the initial response and communication during the 2023 Grizzly Complex Wildfire were insufficient, with priority being given to other non-Métis lands, leading to the destruction of homes and timber.
The wildfire, which ravaged over 180,000 hectares in the Slave Lake Forest Area, burned uncontrollably from early May to late June. Located around 165 kilometers east of Grande Prairie and 400 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, approximately 90% of the East Prairie Metis Settlement’s land was consumed by the fire, resulting in the loss of 54 homes and outbuildings. The lawsuit, filed on April 27, also claims that key sites used for gathering traditional medicines, hunting, and trapping were severely impacted by the wildfire.
According to court documents, the region faced challenging conditions with low snowpack, humidity, and strong winds leading up to the wildfire outbreak. The Slave Lake Forest Area was rated as having an “extreme” fire danger level before May. Allegations in the lawsuit suggest that the province lacked sufficient firefighters and resources to mount an effective response when the wildfires ignited.
Residents of the East Prairie Metis Settlement reported seeing smoke south of their community as early as May 1, although the Alberta Wildfire Management Branch did not officially identify the Grizzly Complex fires until days later, as per the legal documents. The lawsuit claims that there was a delay in deploying initial attack crews to combat the fires, with only one crew initially dispatched. It further alleges that aerial firefighting efforts were inefficient, with airtankers frequently shifting locations without completing their missions.
The community was eventually evacuated on May 5, 2023, with just an hour’s notice, despite earlier reassurances that there was no cause for concern. The lawsuit emphasizes the risks posed by having only one road for evacuation, stating that the delayed notice endangered the safety of East Prairie Metis Settlement members.
In addition to the destruction of homes and traditional areas, significant losses in commercial timber and carbon offset credits amounting to over $31 million are being pursued by the East Prairie Metis Settlement. The community is seeking compensation for various damages, including personal effects and the loss of valued areas.
CBC News attempted to contact Raymond Supernault, the chairman of the East Prairie Metis Settlement, for comments on the ongoing legal proceedings, but he declined to provide a statement at this time.