Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Prince Albert Grand Council leaders say Pelican Narrows needs more than another short burst of outside help after recent violence left families grieving and residents afraid.
PBCN and PAGC leaders gathered in Prince Albert Friday for an emergency media conference calling for immediate federal and provincial support, more police resources, stronger drug enforcement, community safety officers, treatment supports and long-term First Nations-led public safety solutions.
PBCN Chief Peter Beatty said the First Nation first declared a state of emergency in 2022. Temporary resources helped reduce some violence and drug-related activity, he said, but the problems returned after those supports were pulled back.
“We need a more permanent solution, and that’s what we’re talking about,” Beatty said during a media question period.
The call followed several recent RCMP investigations in Pelican Narrows. RCMP reported a May 2 shooting that injured two men, the May 21 death of 26-year-old Jaden Custer, and a second-degree murder warrant issued the next day for Brett McCallum. RCMP have also said the death of 16-year-old Jay’siiah Webb-Long, who had been living in Pelican Narrows around the time he disappeared in 2025, is being investigated as a homicide.
Vice Chief Justin Halcrow said Pelican Narrows is supposed to have 15 RCMP members, but currently has eight. He said children, elders, nurses and families are living with fear and repeated trauma.
“When a child has to pray for his safety, for his life, then we have serious troubles, serious problems in community,” Halcrow said.
Beatty said PBCN can pass bylaws, including rules around alcohol, traffic, firearms and ATVs, but enforcement remains the problem. He said an ATV ban was brought in because many drive-by shootings have involved quads, which can leave quickly through trails.
“We, as chief and council, can pass bylaws, but who’s going to enforce the bylaws, right?” Beatty said.
The First Nation is also using private security at the bridge into Pelican Narrows, the main vehicle access point, to check for alcohol, drugs and vehicles.
The use of private security adds another layer to PAGC’s public safety discussions this year. Earlier this year, PAGC called decision-makers together in Prince Albert after hospital security incidents involving Indigenous patients raised concerns about accountability and de-escalation. On Friday, PBCN leaders described private security as an immediate tool to help reduce alcohol, drugs and violence entering Pelican Narrows while they continue to push for long-term policing and justice resources.
Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said PAGC supports the call for help and said community safety officers need stable funding. The appeal also comes two months after PAGC held a policing symposium in Prince Albert, where leaders and consultants outlined a possible path toward a First Nations-led police service. That work began as a study of policing gaps, community safety needs, current RCMP service and long-term options for PAGC communities.
Vice Chief Joseph Tsannie called on federal and provincial public safety ministers to come to Prince Albert within the next month and sit down with PAGC communities.
“It seems like another death is just being pushed aside,” Tsannie said. “It’s starting to be normalized.”
Tsannie said PAGC does not want its proposed police force to be underfunded or set up to fail, and said governments need to respond before communities are forced to raise their voices again.
“We hope we don’t have to bang on the tables too loud for the minister to hear us,” he said.
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
