First Nations look to sue governments over flood

Some First Nations flood evacuees hope to sue multiple levels of government over the handling of the 2011 flood disaster.

Kurvis Anderson, forced last spring from his home in Pinaymootang First Nation (Fairford), claims that authorities are accountable for the psychological stress the evacuations caused, especially on Lake Manitoba.

"We're doing this because this flood in our area wasn't an accident," he said. "(It) wasn't a natural disaster. It was done on purpose. That's how we feel. It was done on purpose like we were sacrificed to save Winnipeg."

Anderson was one of more than 3,000 First Nations people who left their homes due to the widespread flooding.

The lawsuit would be filed on behalf of all First Nations flood evacuees.

But a senior advisor to the Lake St Martin community warns they may not have much of a case. Rari Hokwarts said most evacuees didn't suffer significant financial damage. "There may be people who say 'hey if I get $1,000 out of this I'd be happy.' But I'm not sure that a lawyer would be happy."

Flood evacuees are scheduled to meet with lawyers in Winnipeg next Wednesday.