Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation councillor says residents feel safer after RCMP operation

The chief of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation says the goal is to transform Pelican Narrows into a place where safety and wellness are tangible realities for every member of the community.

“We are critically assessing our current state and identifying necessary steps to move forward,” Karen Bird said during a virtual news conference Tuesday.

Bird said an RCMP enforcement operation over the weekend in that community brought temporary peace, but more needs to be done.

According to RCMP Insp. Stephen Bergerman, 12 people were arrested during that time. He won’t say how many officers were in Pelican Narrows for safety reasons.

“Our officers seized five illegal firearms, 210 grams of methamphetamines and contraband alcohol,” he said.

Coun. Sarah Swan said over the last week, many community members felt safer.

“Before these incidents, we’d hear daily gunshots and daily incidents of machetes — attacks to people. It’s been very good this past week,” she added.

However, Bird said the community continues to be in crisis related to gang and drug activity. The 12 people arrested remain in jail until their court appearances on Thursday.

In October, a state of emergency was declared on PBCN in Pelican Narrows and in Deschambault Lake after the death of a teenager.

“We dream of a future where the opportunities available to our people are equal to those everywhere else,” said Bird.

Bird explained that work is underway to improve life for residents, including establishing an emergency operations centre, along with adding more security at health-care centres so staff can feel safer when violent incidents occur in the community.

“The improvements that are needed are being identified and the resources being located,” she added.

The First Nation has reached out to the provincial and federal governments with the intent of securing meetings to address proposals to try and deal with the community crises.

“Being proactive is the best ways … to keep our community safe,” she said.

Bird hopes to have a tribal police force eventually established as well.

“We have been in contact with PAGC (Prince Albert Grand Council) and FSIN (Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations) regarding the tribal policing,” she added.

Bird said she also has been in talks with leadership at the James Smith Cree Nation on how to potentially provide security patrols. However, unreliable cellphone coverage in many remote areas around Pelican Narrows can limit emergency communications.

Items seized by the RCMP during a recent operation in Pelican Narrows. (RCMP/Submitted)