Long Plain First Nation's still dealing with the aftermath of the tornado that touched down there just over a week ago.

A large number of residents had to be sheltered in hotels in Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg, while the damage was assessed, and clean-up was started.

Chief Dennis Meeches says that process is moving ahead, and most evacuees are returning, but between 100 and 130 are still in hotels. He admits getting people back is challenging, but the clean-up is about 80% complete.

"Of course, we have security issues, we have our food services, and the clean-up went very, very well, and we appreciate all the support we've been receiving from off-reserve, different organizations. And appreciate the visits from our local MP (Candice Bergen) and MLA (Ian Wishart), and I've heard from Elieen Clarke, the Minister for Indigenous and Municipal Relations. And I-NAC and the Red Cross have been been tremendous.

Meeches admits he's concerned about the financial strain on Long Plain.

"Long Plain is footing the bill for a lot of the initial costs, and I know eventually we'll get re-imbursed, but I'm a little bit concerned about the length of time that'll take. But I think overall, it's going very well, in terms of recovery. Our insurance company has been out, doing damage assessments on the homes, so that'll be the next big task, getting people back into their homes. So hopefully the numbers will go down in the next month, two months. But some will be out for four to five months, maybe even half a year."

Meeches adds the Long Plain Pow Wow usually held over the August long weekend will likely be held after labour Day.