PETER BALLANTYNE CREE NATION – The murder of a 17-year-old youth in Deschambault Lake and increasing violence has prompted Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) to declare a state of emergency.
Chief Karen Bird said the continual echo of bullets and escalating violence is terrorizing the community.
“The constant sound of gunfire has left our members in a constant state of concern and distress due to the relentless violence."
She added that even though the community refuses to be ruled by fear, the murder of the youth, as well as previous violent incidents, demands their immediate action and underscores an escalating cycle of violence affecting PBC, Pelican Narrows, and Deschambault Lake.
"The loss of such a young life has profoundly impacted our community," said Bird.
Earlier this month, Sask. RCMP Major Crimes in Prince Albert charged 27-year-old Tristan Custer with second-degree murder in the youth’s death. His body was found on a street in Deschambault Lake on Oct. 1. Police then went to a home in the community and arrested a female youth and charged her with second-degree murder. RCMP also arrested a man on warrants from Deschambault Lake for charges including assault with a weapon. Police say he was suffering from injuries from a separate assault and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
PBCN has one of the highest crime rates in the country and has faced socio-economic challenges, which federal reports have identified as limited and inadequate housing, high unemployment, and increasing crime rates as factors.
The Chief and Council of PBCN say that before the youth’s murder and other violent incidents, there has been a significant increase in the demand for community services, and in particular, healthcare services. This has led to a strain on professionals who are concerned about their safety and some health services have been stopped. To address these challenges, PBCN has increased it security measures.
PBCN Chief and Council had also declared a local state of emergency last November, and created a guide for emergency strategies and community safety plans. They utilized that strategy again in January after another tragic event in Pelican Narrows that led to increased security measures and a community-wide curfew.
Bird said in light of the rise in crime and substance abuse, they need funded emergency plans and stronger community safety initiatives. PBCN leaders are meeting with Indigenous Services Canada next week.
"The resilience of our community has been tested time and again, but the tragic loss of a young life emphasizes the critical need for continuous and ongoing support, resources, and community solidarity,” said Bird. “For years, our communities have faced systematic challenges. This crisis underscores our urgent need for sufficient resources, funding, and support that will guarantee a safe and secure environment for all of our members."
PBCN is in northeastern Saskatchewan, and has more than 12,000 members in nine communities spanning 51,000 square kilometres. Its nine communities include Denare Beach, Deschaumbault Lake, Kinoosao, Pelican Narrows, Prince Albert, Sandy Bay, Southend, Sturgeon Landing, and Birch Portage.
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