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By Jeff D’Andrea
A fire destroyed the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre in Prince Albert on Friday.
The building was one of the main meeting places for the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC).
Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said the PAGC is “heartbroken” after losing such an important building and main hub.
“We are heartbroken to lose one of the most iconic buildings of the Prince Albert Grand Council. The building is named after our late Elder and decorated veteran Senator Allan Bird of Montreal Lake Cree Nation,” Hardlotte said in a statement.
“It had the reputation as the main gathering place for many of our community events. But it has been more than a meeting spot. It has also represented the home of our government for our 12-member Nations, and it has been a site where we have honoured many of our leaders over the years.”
Vice Chief Joseph Tsannie said the centre was just used on Thursday to donate Easter hampers for those in need.
“The loss of the Senator Allan Bird Memorial Gym will have a devastating impact on our people and community. We have relied on it as a central hub for many of our major gatherings. Just yesterday, we used it as a site to distribute 1,500 Easter hampers for families in need,” Tsannie said. “Until we recover and rebuild, the loss of our building will have an impact on future events, including our Fine Arts Festival, sporting events, wakes, round dances, and assemblies.”
Fire at the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre pic.twitter.com/wNqrwTmSco
— Jeff D'Andrea (@Jeff_paNOW) April 15, 2022
The Prince Albert Fire Department was on the scene, with at least two trucks hosing water on the roof on the south side of the building.