First Nations suffering.

CALGARY — Flood waters that devastated southern Alberta have left some First Nations communities “in an almost total state of destruction,” according to Treaty 7’s grand chief.

Grand Chief Charles Weaselhead of the Blood Tribe said the rebuilding process will take years and cost millions of dollars.

“Those hit hardest include the Siksika Nation east of Calgary, and Eden Valley of the Stoney Nation, who are also under an evacuation order and dealing with waterlogged homes,” Weaselhead said Tuesday.

“The Tsuu T’ina reserve on the southwest edge of Calgary said homes and a golf course had been damaged.”

In Siksika, about 80 kilometres east of Calgary along the Bow River, 200 to 250 houses were damaged and approximately 1,000 residents were forced to flee their homes.

“We’re still in crisis mode,” said Wesley Water Chief, public relations representative for Siksika Nation, adding many evacuees remain at the Deerfoot Sportsplex.

“Some people are trying to go back home, but we’re advising them not to, due to contamination and the integrity of structures.”

Water Chief said two bridges are “out of commission” and he’s not sure whether one of them will ever be used again.

On the reserve, it’s expected all 305 cabins on the Hidden Valley Golf Resort have some damage, said Gary Nason, president of the resort’s board of directors.

Heather Carnahan, representative for Stoney Nakoda Nations — which comprises Eden Valley, Morley and Bighorn — estimates about 400 residents fled Eden Valley, where there has been “very limited access.”

At one point, the power was out and there was no telephone communications, she said. The water treatment plant and reservoir were also affected, and an engineering firm was called to investigate.

Another 200 to 300 residents in Morley are being housed in the evacuation centre at the local school.

“There are reports that an extremely large number of houses have water, with flooding and sewage backup,” Carnahan said. She said more than 150 homes have been damaged in Eden Valley and Morley, where boil-water advisories remain in effect.

The approximately 50 homes in Bighorn near Rocky Mountain House were evacuated Thursday, but those residents are back at home, she added.