The Gitxaala Nation is now on day seven of a power outage caused by severe wind storms that damaged local power lines. The storms made it unsafe for BC Hydro crews to reach the site until recently, leaving many residents without heat or hot water. Deputy Chief Brenna Johnson-Innes says, “People are waking up in cold homes, no hot water, no real sense of normal routine—that’s wearing on everybody.”
Safety has been the community’s top priority. Johnson-Innes explains, “We put together a community-wide curfew for 7 p.m. That wasn’t about restriction—it was about safety.” Night Watch volunteers have been monitoring homes overnight, checking generators, wood stoves, and chimneys to reduce risks. Health staff conduct daily check-ins with elders and babies, while volunteers deliver wood, heaters, and assist with meals.
Despite the hardships, Johnson-Innes says the community spirit has been remarkable. “Everybody has been checking on their neighbors, cooking for one another, and supporting those who need it most,” she says. Youth programs at the Lighthouse have kept younger residents engaged, and crews have maintained generators and coordinated essential resources.
With BC Hydro crews now on site, repairs are underway, and power is expected to be restored by the end of the week. Johnson-Innes urges residents, “Keep hope. This is going to end sooner than later.”
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