Latest news with #LacLaRongeIndianBand
Hamilton Spectator
08-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
La Ronge Avenue closed July 8–10 for wellness conference
LA RONGE — A section of La Ronge Avenue will be closed in both directions between Cuthand Street and Backlund Street on July 8-10 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the upcoming Lac La Ronge Indian Band Family Wellness Conference. The closure is scheduled to accommodate the community event and will affect traffic in the area. Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to adjust their daily routines accordingly. 'We thank the public for their understanding and cooperation during this time,' organizers said in a statement. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Calgary Herald
13-06-2025
- General
- Calgary Herald
Evacuees find peace, culture and community at Batoche amid northern wildfires
Article content Brent Colli has fled wildfires before. In 2015, he and his family ended up sleeping in a public park in Prince Albert, only to be awakened by maintenance staff at dawn and threatened with tickets. This time, with nine children in tow and smoke chasing them down the highway, Colli wanted something different. 'I didn't want to be woken up in a parking lot again,' he said. 'I wanted to go somewhere we could sleep — somewhere that felt like we belonged.' The site became more than a shelter. It offered warm meals, entertainment for kids, and a cultural connection that mattered deeply to Colli, who was among the first to arrive. 'It was just… welcoming,' he said. 'I felt like we belonged.' At 5 a.m., the first thing he was offered was a cup of coffee. The man behind the gesture was Brent Laroque, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan's director of environment, who was overseeing operations at the newly established evacuation centre. 'It makes me proud to be part of this whole process,' Laroque said. 'A lot of the different Indigenous governments are really starting to build some capacity, and to take on roles and support other Indigenous communities … Maybe the future of this is that we're supporting each other.' For many like Colli, Batoche has become more than a safe haven. It's a return to something deeper — a connection to land, culture and a community willing to share its space, even in crisis. A Shelter Rooted in Spirit and Safety Métis Nation–Saskatchewan quickly established the evacuation centre at Batoche after wildfires began forcing communities like La Ronge, Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band to evacuate. While government-run shelters in Prince Albert and Saskatoon filled up — with some evacuees expressing frustration about delays, confusion and red tape — Batoche offered a quieter, more culturally-grounded alternative. Families camped in tents at first. Then the doors opened. A television was set up. Children went on wagon rides to visit the bison. When strong winds flattened tents, evacuees were given rooms inside. 'My kids got to play, to be kids again,' said Colli. 'Even just watching TV helped. It felt normal. That's what they needed.' Meals were served. Coffee was shared. The nearby chuckwagon teams practiced for summer races. Elders rested. 'It's like a big camping trip — but this time, it felt like somebody opened their home to us.' Colli said. Each day, a schedule was posted on a board, listing activities like bison pasture tours, a karaoke contest, and a historic fiddler performance by JJ Lavallee. Early childhood educators were on hand with children's arts and crafts, including a child-friendly embroidery table. The One Arrow First Nation lodge, just five minutes away, offered additional support with donations of clothing, groceries, and suitcases. They also provided shelter space for evacuees seeking it. Laroque helped transform the Métis summer campgrounds and Dumont Lodge into a shelter for more than 140 evacuees. The site, located on the Back to Batoche festival grounds, is normally a place for Métis youth summer camps and intergenerational cultural learning. It features cabins, dorm-style rooms, a full kitchen, and a wing designed specifically to accommodate elders with dignity and comfort — 'almost like hotel rooms,' Laroque said. 'There's no traffic. It's nice and safe,' he said. 'If the kids need a break, they can go to the playground. It's quiet. It's open. It feels like home.' Word spread quickly through Facebook and community networks. Though Batoche wasn't listed on official provincial evacuation plans, families found their way there — and told others. 'People were just stuck,' Laroque said. 'They heard that there was free accommodations here, free food, and so they came.' Land, Loss and What Comes Next Colli remembers a more co-ordinated response in 2015, during another massive wildfire season. 'Now it's more confusing,' he said. 'Red Cross, SPSA, FSIN, Métis Nation — it's not always clear who's doing what.' He said his family might have ended up sleeping in someone's yard if they hadn't heard about Batoche. Others, he said, spent grocery money on gas or racked up credit card debt trying to escape. 'I've seen people sleeping in cars with their babies,' he said. On their last day at Batoche, Colli brought his children to the national historic site — walking the trails and reading signs about Louis Riel, Gabriel Dumont and the 1885 Resistance. It was a chance to connect the past to their present. 'It was important to me that they learn where we come from,' he said. As the fires near La Ronge threatened cherished forest spots, Colli worried about damage to a family mushroom-picking site — and especially to the historic Robertson Trading post, which burned down June 3. 'There was a picture of my grandfather hanging in there,' he said. 'Albert Colli. I'm going to be sad to see it gone.' Still, he finds hope in the strength of the land. 'But the land will heal,' he said. 'It always does.' Métis Nation–Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum said Batoche's transformation into a shelter wasn't just about logistics — it was about spirit. 'Being displaced can take away who you are, but here, surrounded by culture and tradition, people are smiling, connecting, and beginning to feel like themselves again,' McCallum said. Emily Ross, an evacuee from Sucker River, told McCallum she didn't want to go home, as they sat together listening to Métis fiddle tune 'Maple Sugar,' played by evacuee Jeptha Ross. With fires intensifying each year, McCallum said Indigenous-led emergency response must become part of broader government planning. 'This isn't just about Métis or First Nations — these fires affect everyone,' he said. 'The fire doesn't draw borders, and neither should we. The sooner we plan together — governments, industries, institutions, communities — the better prepared we'll be for next time.' As he packed up to head home, Colli said Batoche gave him more than shelter. It gave him a sense of dignity, calm, and belonging. 'Batoche wasn't just a shelter — it was a place where my family could rest, feel safe, and truly belong.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew tours wildfire zones by air as 21,000 remain out of homes
WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew took to the air Thursday, touring and meeting with those dealing with scores of wildfires in his province, while in Saskatchewan thousands of fire evacuees were given the green light to go home. 'Just this morning, the premier was in Flin Flon meeting with the firefighters, the boots on the ground, including our American firefighters that are up there,' Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie told a wildfire update news conference. Bushie said the province has received or is receiving help from crews from Alberta, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, B.C., Parks Canada and the United States. 'It's been very positive to see a truly all-hands-on-deck approach,' Bushie said. Along with the Flin Flon visit, Kinew was scheduled to meet with municipal officials, evacuees and hospital staff in Thompson before returning to Winnipeg in the evening. The fires have been raging for more than two weeks, mainly in the north and northwest parts of the province, forcing 21,000 to flee in one of the worst fire seasons in recent years. About 6,000 people evacuated Flin Flon and its surrounding homes and cottages while 6,700 are out of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation. There are 21 wildfires, nine of which are out of control. The 600 residents of Cranberry Portage have been notified they can return starting Saturday morning. Bushie said cooler temperatures and scattered rain have helped crews contain the fires for now, but noted that along with wet weather there are lightning strikes that could bring more fires down the road. 'We're not out of the wildfire season yet,' he said. 'Actually I would almost hazard to say we're not even at the height of our wildfire season yet.' The sheer number of evacuees has put a strain on Manitoba's 15,000 hotel rooms to the point Kinew's government is asking tourists to reconsider visiting Manitoba for now. Also Thursday, the province confirmed it will be in charge of security going forward at the Leila congregate shelter in Winnipeg. This will be done with the help of police services from St. Anne's and Winnipeg, as well as First Nations groups. "It's really important to have solid security in place to keep Manitobans safe," said Lisa Naylor, minister of infrastructure. Naylor would not provide information on what led to the switch or who was providing security services before the changeover. Winnipeg police have committed to sending officers to evacuee shelters and hotels to ensure vulnerable residents aren't targeted. In Saskatchewan, rain and favourable winds have helped crews keep fires at bay and allowed 7,000 residents in the La Ronge area to begin returning home. Chief Tammy Cook-Searson of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band said on social media communities are 'beyond excited' to have residents back. 'We missed you more than words can say,' she said. 'As we reconnect and move forward together, support will be available for your mental health. You are not alone." Lyle Hannan, the director of the La Ronge's emergency operation centre, said gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants are open, while work is underway to get the hospital running. 'We had to go around and pick up all the residents' garbage so they had an empty garbage bin to fill when they come home,' Hannan said late Wednesday. Hannan said the Rona hardware store, Robertson Trading store and an air tanker structure at the town's airport were destroyed by the fire. He said he's heard some people are anxious to return. 'You miss home and you want to make sure you can see things and make sure everything is still here,' Hannan said. Saskatchewan officials estimate between 10,000 and 15,000 have been forced out by the fires. The province is fighting 23 blazes, six of which have not been contained. Both Manitoba and Saskatchewan have declared states of emergency to help different levels of government co-ordinate resources and relief. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's government has promised to top up aid with $500 for every person over 18 who has had to relocate. Moe made that announcement Wednesday while facing criticism from the Opposition NDP and the provincial ombudsman that his government failed to deliver immediate shelter, food and vital information to many running from harm's way. Ombudsman Sharon Pratchler said earlier this week her staffers have been overwhelmed trying to fill the void by connecting evacuees to food and shelter. Pratchler said she is hearing of evacuees forced to sleep in cars and parents lacking essentials like diapers for their children. Moe has said his government has done what it can to keep people safe from fires while fighting the swiftly moving conflagrations, but will strive to improve. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says it has scaled up the number of people available to help those with immediate needs. Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck has said the $500 will help but said citizens deserve better than a province that appears to be doing its disaster planning 'on the back of a napkin.' Fires in Alberta have also forced scores from their homes, mainly in the remote north. — with files from Jeremy Simes in Regina This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025. Brittany Hobson and Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press
CBC
11-06-2025
- Climate
- CBC
La Ronge evacuees to begin returning home Thursday
Social Sharing Some people forced from their homes by wildfires in northern Saskatchewan will soon start making their way home, as conditions improve in the La Ronge area. Officials with the Town of La Ronge and Village of Air Ronge confirmed a mandatory evacuation order will be lifted at 8 a.m. Thursday. A roadblock at the south end of the community will remain in place until that time, the officials said in a Tuesday news release. Evacuation orders for Hall Lake, Sucker River and Stanley Mission will also be rescinded by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band emergency operations centre. Fast-moving fires in Saskatchewan's north led to an order to evacuate La Ronge, Air Ronge, the Lac La Ronge reserve and everywhere within a 20-kilometre radius on June 2. A phased return is set to begin, starting with healthy individuals returning in private vehicles, the band said. Full community return is targeted for the weekend of June 14 and 15, depending on available transportation. Officials say transportation help, such as providing fuel or shuttle buses, is being offered for Lac Lac Ronge Indian Band members who have been evacuated. Those with private vehicles can contact the Lac La Ronge Indian Band emergency operations centre at 306-420-4901 on Wednesday to register for fuel assistance, the band said. Some communities, including Stanley Mission, Grandmother's Bay, and Missinipe, will continue to experience scheduled power outages until Saturday due to fire-damaged infrastructure, Lac La Ronge Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said in a post on Facebook Tuesday. SaskPower is working to restore electricity by Thursday, weather and safety permitting. "Co-ordination is now underway for a safe, phased return of community members," Cook-Searson said in the Facebook post, thanking the front-line responders, municipalities and neighbouring First Nations "who stepped in when we needed it most." "Your actions helped save lives and homes," she said. Bittersweet return: evacuee Tom Roberts, evacuated from Air Ronge 10 days ago, said the return will be bittersweet. "We're going home with mixed emotions — happy we're going home. Sad to see the destruction," said Roberts, who has been staying with friends. He said reading the notice evacuees will be able to return brought a sigh of relief. When the community was evacuated in 2015, it took over a month to get back home, he said. Roberts, a former CBC radio host who now works at the Lac La Ronge Wellness Centre, said he's preparing to see significant damage in parts of the north. "I'm going to go see Robertson Trading Post — where I spent over 27 years at a CBC broadcaster — go see that in crumbles. Then I want to go north and have a look at all of the communities," he said. He said that while some like him sheltered with friends, others spent nights in tents and struggled to access food. "Thank goodness no lives were lost. And a big congratulations — hats off to all the firefighters," he said.
Global News
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Global News
La Ronge area set to lift evacuation order Thursday, band chief says
Thousands of Saskatchewan wildfire evacuees are about to be able to go home, with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band announcing residents will be able to return to the La Ronge area starting Thursday. Chief Tammy Cook-Searson confirmed to Global News the barrier on the south side of the tri-community will be removed on Thursday at 8 a.m., the same time the evacuation order will lift. 'We are grateful we'll be able to start returning our community members home,' she said. The area, home to over 7,000 people, was evacuated on June 2 as the PISEW wildfire rapidly advanced towards the region from the west. Residents described fleeing in vehicles while flames roared on the side of the highway. The fire did breach La Ronge, burning down the iconic Robertson's Trading Post, as well as the local Rona store. Firefighters also faced challenges around the La Ronge airport and other industrial areas. However, most of the region was saved. Story continues below advertisement A notice from the towns of La Ronge, Air Ronge, and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band said the evacuation order will also be lifted for Sucker River, Hall Lake and Stanley Mission. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The fire is looking good,' Cook-Searson said. '(The firefighters) are confident that they'll be able to fight the fires.' She noted fire crews have come from across Saskatchewan to assist in fighting off the flames, and recent downpours in the area have helped immensely. The repatriation will be staged, with healthy evacuees in private vehicles able to return on Thursday. A full return for all residents is scheduled to begin on Saturday. Face of firefight changing as threat diminishes The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says changing weather conditions have helped crews make 'operational progress' on many of the major fires burning in the northern half of the province. Fire bans are expected to be lifted in areas north of the Churchill River that received rainfall, while more evacuation orders are being rescinded. 'What we were experiencing even as short as a week ago is greatly diminished,' Steve Roberts, SPSA vice-president of operations, said. 'Our tactics have switched from aerial suppression to try and hold these fires, to actual direct attack on the ground with firefighters to start securing these lines.' Story continues below advertisement He noted the large fires are expected to continue burning throughout the fire season, but he is expecting only small incursions from fire lines. 'They will be constantly monitored. They will flare up at times,' Roberts said. The SPSA is also now going to combine the classification of the Club and Wolf fires, burning near Creighton, Sask. and Flin Flon, Man. into one blaze due to the joining of the two fires. They will be jointly referred to as the Wolf fire in future communications. As of Tuesday afternoon, 23 wildfires were burning across Saskatchewan. Six of those are classified as out of control, while another two are 'protecting values,' which means fire crews are focusing on fending off flames from properties and assets like vehicles and campers.
