Some N.S. Mi'kmaw communities still without power after Fiona's devastating winds

As Nova Scotiagrapples with widespread power outages in the wake of post-tropical storm Fiona, Eskasoni First Nation Chief Leroy Denny saysthe Mi'kmawcommunities in Unama'ki (Cape Breton) are taking care of one another.

"We always rely on one another in a time of crisis; it's a wonderful thing," said Denny.

Fiona made landfall in eastern Nova Scotiajust after 3 a.m. Saturday and 100-plus km/h winds toppled trees and power lines.

Denny saidhis community, about 40kilometressouth of Sydney, N.S.,hasn't assessed thedamageyet but he saidhe thinks it's extensive.

Denny said as soon as the power went out hisfirst priority was ensuring the community's elders and disabled were taken care of.

He said the Emergency Management Office in Eskasoniwas well prepared and staffworkedto ensure community members weresafe.

OtherMi'kmawcommunities are also helping them.Potlotek First Nation sent 22 generators andWagmatcook and We'koqma'qFirst Nations have sent food, water and gas.

Dennysaid their biggest challenge now is dealing with the fuel shortages caused by the power outages. He saidgenerators are helping to power three comfort centres providing warm meals, water and charging stations.

The community is also powering several deep freezers to save people's groceries.

Nova Scotia Power's websiteis estimating power in Eskasoni should return Tuesday or Wednesday.

In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Indigenous Services Canada saidFirst Nation governments play a lead role in assessingneedsand determining the appropriate course of action, which may include evacuation, on-ground support and transportation.

ISC is monitoring the damagefrom Fiona and "will co-ordinate actions to ensuresupport for the health and safety of affected community members and infrastructure, should needs surpass community capability."

Membertou First Nation, near Sydney, has two emergency shelters:one run by the Canadian Red Cross at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre for people who have lost their homes or are displaced and one at theMembertou community school for people who need a warm meal or tocharge their electronics.

Jeff Ward and his son Oonigvolunteered over 40 hours of their time at the centrethis weekend.

"Our families and our community members are coming together very strongly," said Ward, acommittee member of the Membertou Emergency Management Office.

Ward said the storm was truly frightening.

"The house felt like it was shaking, and it was just coming periodically and you could just hear that big wind," said Ward.

Ward saidhis community is dealing with power outages and still has to do storm cleanup. The community'sgas station is still in operation and Wardsaidhundreds of vehicleshave been lined up in all four directions.

He said he hopespeople are patient and remember road safety when they come to Membertou.