Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation

06/03/2026

Update on Checkpoint Security in Pelican Narrows

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation is advising members, residents, and visitors that security measures at the checkpoint will be strengthened.

Security personnel may conduct more thorough searches of vehicles and belongings entering the community. These efforts are intended to help identify trespassers and prevent contraband — including alcohol, weapons, and other prohibited items — from entering the community.

Enhanced safety measures may include the use of metal detection equipment and body cameras by security personnel. Fixed cameras are also in operation at the checkpoint to support safety, accountability, and documentation of activity.

These measures are temporary and are being taken to support community safety during a period of heightened concern. PBCN asks all members, residents, and visitors for their patience, cooperation, and understanding as security carries out this important work.

Please allow extra time when entering the community and be prepared to provide identification and information about your destination if requested.

PBCN thanks everyone for their part in helping keep the community safe.

— Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation

06/02/2026

RCMP Update, June 2 at 10:30 am. APTN Livestream:

LIVE: Saskatchewan RCMP are speaking to reporters following a shoot...

06/02/2026

Public Safety Update for Pelican Narrows

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation is advising members that the Dangerous Person Alert issued by the Saskatchewan RCMP for Pelican Narrows and the surrounding area has been cancelled.

According to the Saskatchewan RCMP, a suspect was arrested at a residence in Pelican Narrows at approximately 7:07 p.m. The RCMP has confirmed that the dangerous person alert has now been cancelled.

PBCN has also been advised that two suspects are in custody and that police are currently holding three scenes as part of the ongoing investigation.

The RCMP has thanked the public for their assistance. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.

Following today’s serious incident, PBCN’s leadership have met with staff, leadership, emergency response partners, and public safety representatives to coordinate next steps for community safety, staff support, and services in Pelican Narrows.

PBCN is working with the RCMP, security personnel, health leadership, education leadership, Child and Family Services, and provincial public safety partners to ensure additional supports are in place while the investigation continues. Members can expect to see an increased police and security presence in the community over the coming days.

Community Safety Measures and Service Updates

Out of caution and care for staff, students, families, and the community, the following measures are in place:
• Schools will remain closed for the rest of the week.
• The Band Office will remain closed to the public for the rest of the week.
• The Health Centre will be limited to serious medical clients only for the rest of the week.
• Child and Family Services will close its doors to the public starting Friday but will continue providing care for children.
• Court has been cancelled for the remainder of the week.
• A review of closures and restricted operations will take place on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Members are asked to avoid areas where police are present and to allow investigators the space needed to complete their work. Please continue to follow the direction of RCMP, security, and emergency personnel.

PBCN leadership recognizes that today’s events have deeply affected many members, including children, families, frontline health staff, education staff, and community workers. Support is being coordinated for those impacted, including trauma and mental health supports.

Anyone needing support is encouraged to contact the Angelique Canada Health Centre at (306) 632-2046.

PBCN’s leadership also acknowledges the efforts of local staff, health workers, education staff, emergency responders, security, and community partners who acted quickly and with care during a difficult and stressful situation. Their response helped protect members and support community safety during a critical time.

Members are reminded to remain calm, stay vigilant, and avoid sharing unverified information, names, photos, or speculation online. Updates will be shared through official RCMP and PBCN communication channels as confirmed information becomes available.

This is a time for unity, care, and support for one another. PBCN will continue working with our partners to protect the safety and wellbeing of Pelican Narrows members.

-Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation

06/01/2026

Civil Emergency – CRITICAL
Parts of Saskatchewan
June 1, 2026 – 2:29 PM
Status: Active

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Description

RCMP ALERT: ACTIVE SHOOTER IN PELICAN NARROWS

PELICAN NARROWS

Affected Areas

* Division No. 18, Unorganized
* Pelican Narrows area
* Deschambault Lake area
* Surrounding communities within the alert zone

Instructions

* Find a SAFE LOCATION NOW.
* LOCK DOORS.
* STAY AWAY from the PELICAN NARROWS area.
* DO NOT APPROACH the shooter.
* Call 911 in emergencies.
* WAIT for RCMP updates.
* DO NOT share police locations.

Alert Area

The alert applies to the Pelican Narrows and Deschambault Lake region, including surrounding areas shown within the SaskAlert emergency notification zone.

⚠️ This is a Critical Civil Emergency Alert issued by the RCMP regarding an active shooter incident in Pelican Narrows. Residents should immediately follow RCMP instructions and monitor SaskAlert and official RCMP channels for updates.

05/29/2026

Security Checkpoint Reinstated in Pelican Narrows/Sandy Bay

Effective immediately, a security checkpoint will be reinstated at the entrance to Pelican Narrows and remain in place until further notice. This action is in response to growing concerns about trespassing, trafficking, and related violence in and around the community.

🛡️ Security Measures

• Tipi Security has been contracted to operate the checkpoint.
• All individuals entering the community will be asked to show valid identification.
• Brief detainment may occur for the purpose of confirming identity and intent.
• Visitors are required to provide your contact information for confirmation of their destination and purpose of travel. Otherwise entry will be denied.

⚠️ Unlawful Possession of Intoxicants

A reminder that it is unlawful to possess, sell, or supply alcohol or prohibited drugs within Pelican Narrows. These measures are in place to protect public health and community safety.

We ask for your cooperation and patience as these enhanced security measures are implemented. These steps are taken out of care and concern for the well-being of all PBCN members.
For any questions or concerns, please contact local security management through the Pelican Narrows Band Office.

— Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Administration

05/27/2026

🚨 COMMUNITY SHARING CIRCLE – PELICAN NARROWS 🚨

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation leadership will host a Community Sharing Circle and Open House for residents of Pelican Narrows on:

📍 Wapawikoscikan High School
📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
🕐 1 p.m.

This gathering is an opportunity for community members to:
• Hear official updates
• Ask questions and share concerns
• Access available support services
• Come together during this difficult time

PBCN leadership will be joined by health and mental health service providers, security and law enforcement representatives, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community partners.

PBCN encourages all members and residents to attend. This is a time for the community to support one another, receive information, and move forward together.

05/24/2026

PBCN Community Notice: Pelican Narrows Public Safety

Condolences: Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation leadership extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost in recent days.

We grieve with you. We are holding your families in our hearts, and we ask the entire community to surround those who are suffering with care, compassion, and prayer.

Emergency Community Meeting:

Vice Chief Justin Halcrow and PBCN leadership convened an emergency meeting today, May 23, 2026, to coordinate an immediate response to the escalating public safety crisis in Pelican Narrows.

The meeting included:

• PBCN leadership
• Frontline workers
• RCMP representatives
• Health staff
• Education officials
• Security personnel
• Support agencies

This notice summarizes the decisions made and the supports available to the community.

Leadership wants the community to know: we are taking this seriously.

Health, education, security, policing and support agencies have been brought together to act, and leadership is committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way.

Crime Stoppers

If you have information about criminal activity in Pelican Narrows, please contact:

Crime Stoppers
1-800-222-8477
1-800-222-TIPS

Tips can be submitted anonymously.

A Note on Rumours

Leadership is aware that fear in the community has led to the spread of rumours, some of which are false.

PBCN leadership wants to be a trusted and reliable source of information during this time.

Leadership has been advised that Edmonton Police Service arrested Brett McCallum on May 23 in the Edmonton area. He is expected to be transported back to Saskatchewan for his first court appearance. RCMP have advised that court details are still being determined and will be shared when available.

Community members are asked to rely on official communications from PBCN leadership and avoid sharing unverified information that may cause additional fear and harm.

Non-Resident Workers in the Community

Residents are advised that legitimate non-resident workers may currently be in the community, including:

• Health staff
• Support workers
• Couriers
• Census workers
• Crescent Heights Pharmacy delivery staff assisting residents with medications and essential services

Their presence is not a cause for alarm.

Community members also have the right to ask for identification.

RCMP leadership will communicate any identified threat to the community immediately.

Mental Health and Crisis Support: The community is carrying tremendous grief and fear right now. Mental health support is available. Please reach out.

Supports available:

• Four teams of mental health therapists
• Approximately 16 staff in total
• Elders and a Knowledge Keeper supporting services
• Services available at youth centres
• Cree-speaking and culturally grounded supports are being prioritized

For frontline workers: Leadership recognizes the extraordinary burden being carried by health staff, educators and community workers.

Dedicated support for employees is available.

Home visits have been temporarily suspended except where essential. Health staff will continue to reach out by phone.

For urgent support, contact:

Angelique Canada Health Centre
306-632-2046

Schools Open with Enhanced Security

After careful consideration, leadership has decided that schools will remain open.

Keeping children in a safe, structured environment is important for their well-being. It also sends a clear message that a small group of individuals will not disrupt the lives of children and families.

Security is being increased at:

• Wapawikoscikan School
• Wapanacak School

Security staff are operating in pairs and have been provided with updated protocols.

Grad parties will not be permitted on school grounds at this time due to safety concerns.

Parents are reminded that student safety is the top priority. If you have concerns about your child’s safety, please contact the school directly.

Postponed Community Events

Out of respect for those who are grieving, and to prioritize community safety, the following events have been postponed:

• Pelican Narrows Treaty Day is postponed until further notice
• Bingo is postponed
• The Fish Derby is postponed
• Grad-related events are postponed
• Several other community events are postponed
• Grad parties will not be permitted on school grounds due to ongoing safety concerns

Updated dates will be shared when it is safe and appropriate to reschedule.

Leadership looks forward to celebrating together when the time is right.

Community Security: Professional security services are being deployed to Pelican Narrows.

Local security will continue in a night watch role until professional security is fully in place.

RCMP will increase patrols near the Narrows area as resources allow and will assist with enforcement of community bylaws related to:

• Quads
• Fireworks
• Alcohol
• Trespassing

The quad ban remains in effect.

RCMP has confirmed they can support bylaw enforcement efforts.

Long-Term Actions Underway

Leadership is committed to lasting solutions, not only short-term responses.

Discussions are underway on the following:

• Reviewing housing policy options to address tenants involved in drug trafficking or dangerous activity
• A housing committee meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2026
• Securing additional accommodations for outside support workers and security personnel
• Strengthening collaboration between Child and Family Services, the Hub, WMP, Holistic Health services and PBCN leadership

Upcoming Meeting

Community members are encouraged to attend the upcoming sharing circle to share concerns, ask questions and hear directly from leadership.

Community Sharing Circle / Open House

Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: To be determined
Purpose: Hear from leadership, ask questions and support community healing.
Who can attend: All community members are welcome.

Important Contacts

Crime Stoppers
1-800-222-8477
1-800-222-TIPS
Anonymous tips accepted 24/7.

Mental Health Support
Angelique Canada Health Centre
306-632-2046

PBCN leadership thanks all frontline workers, health staff, educators, security personnel, Elders and community members who continue working together to keep the community safe during this difficult time.

05/22/2026

PBCN Community Notice: Pelican Narrows Public Safety

PBCN leadership extends its deepest condolences to the families of Jay’siiah Webb-Long and Jaden Custer. We grieve alongside you. These were lives full of promise, taken too soon, and their loss is felt across our entire Nation. We stand with the families, friends and loved ones who are carrying this pain, and we ask our communities to surround them with care and prayer during this time.

The recent deaths of Jay’siiah and Jaden have deepened the grief and fear that many in Pelican Narrows are already carrying. These losses come in the midst of ongoing and serious violence in the community — including multiple drive-by shootings in recent weeks, Molotov cocktails thrown at a home, and numerous fi****ms and bear spray incidents. One shooting injured two people. Another shot out the windows of someone’s home.

This is not the Pelican Narrows we want for our children, our Elders, or our families. This violence is not acceptable, and we will not stop fighting until our community is safe.

What PBCN has done since the state of emergency (2024)

PBCN has taken significant steps with the resources available, including:

* Implemented community security measures and checkpoints
* Developed a community safety plan
* Hired a drug detection dog
* Adopted a Hub intervention model
* Built a shelter for people experiencing domestic violence

Our local staff and security have worked hard with limited resources. We are proud of what our team has accomplished. But these local efforts are not enough on their own — and they should not have to be. Pelican Narrows deserves the same level of protection, services and investment as any other community in this province.

What we are calling for

PBCN and the Prince Albert Grand Council have formally called on the provincial and federal governments to act immediately. Here is what we are asking for:

Police vacancies filled now

There are fewer officers in Pelican Narrows and Sandy Bay today than when the state of emergency was called two years ago — despite the RCMP’s own acknowledgment of concerning levels of firearm offences. There are no detectives, no drug enforcement officers and no school liaison in a community with approximately 1,100 students. We are calling for vacancies to be filled immediately and for dedicated specialized policing resources.

Youth supports and programming

Our young people need supports, not just enforcement. Where policing vacancies cannot be filled, we are asking that funding be redirected to programs that reduce demand for police services — including youth programming, bylaw prosecution and local security services.

Surveillance systems and reliable cellular service

Pelican Narrows lacks the cellular connectivity needed to support a community alerting system — a basic safety tool the community currently does not have. We are asking that communities like Pelican Narrows be made a priority for cellular infrastructure investment and that surveillance infrastructure be supported through a partnership with the provincial Ministry of Justice.

Addictions treatment and mental health supports

Violence and addiction are connected. Long-term safety requires investment in healing, not only enforcement.

PBCN leadership met Thursday with the RCMP’s North District superintendent to press for action. We are also calling on Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Justice for a partnership that reflects the reality that provincial highways and services run directly through our communities. The
Prince Albert Grand Council is renewing its call for a First Nations-led police service in northern Saskatchewan — one accountable to our communities and built around prevention, not just response.

To our community members in Pelican Narrows: we see you. We hear you. You should not have to live this way, and we will not stop until you don’t have to.

If you or someone you know requires support, please contact the Angelique Canada Health Centre at 306-632-2046. In an emergency, contact RCMP by calling 9-1-1 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

02/24/2026