PRINCE ALBERT — Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and the Prince Albert Grand Council are calling on provincial and federal governments to provide immediate policing, safety and mental health supports following a series of violent incidents in Pelican Narrows.
In a May 22 media conference, PBCN leadership extended condolences to the families of Jay’siiah Webb-Long and Jaden Custer and raised concerns about ongoing violence, including drive-by shootings, firearm incidents and gang activity in the community.
Chief Peter Beatty said Pelican Narrows and other PBCN communities continue to face serious public safety challenges linked to drugs, alcohol and violence.
“When you compare the police forces at that time in our communities to now, that number has decreased, not increased,” Beatty said.
Beatty said PBCN first declared a state of emergency in 2022, with another declaration following in 2024. He said resources temporarily reduced violence, but problems escalated again after those supports ended.
“We need better and more policing resources. We need resources in terms of tackling the drug activity and gang violence,” Beatty said.
Leaders said Pelican Narrows currently has eight RCMP officers despite being allocated 15 positions.
Vice-Chief Justin Halcrow said the community has one of the highest violent crime severity rates in Canada for communities of its size. He described the impact violence is having on residents, particularly children and elders.
“Our own elders can’t even step out of their house in fear they get shot by one of these quads driving by,” he said.
He also described a recent incident involving a child walking home from school.
“This young man prayed for his life; he called upon the Lord, asking please don’t let this squad shoot me, a child walking home from school,” Halcrow said.
PBCN leaders said the nation has implemented several safety initiatives since the state of emergency declaration, including checkpoints, a community safety plan, a drug detection dog, security measures and a domestic violence shelter.
However, leadership said local resources remain limited and additional government support is required.
Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said northern communities require long-term solutions and stronger partnerships with governments.
“A broader crisis demands a structural response,” Hardlotte said.
Hardlotte also called for increased funding for community safety officers and stronger support for local frontline workers.
Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie urged federal and provincial public safety ministers to meet with northern leaders within the next month.
“The minister should come and sit with all of our communities and find a solution,” Tsannie said.
Tsannie also renewed calls for Indigenous-led policing services.
“We don’t want our police force to be underfunded, struggling and failing. We don’t want to be set up to fail,” he said.
Vice-Chief Christopher Jobb said communities have repeatedly raised the same concerns for years without lasting change.
“We need to start looking at prevention. We have band-aid solutions,” Jobb said.
During the conference, Beatty said PBCN has explored partnerships with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service and Indigenous policing initiatives, but additional provincial support is needed.
“It’s achievable, but you need support,” Beatty said. “That’s what we’re asking for.”
SaskToday has sent a request for comment from the federal Minister of Public Safety and the provincial Minister of Community Safety. They did not immediately respond.
