PELICAN NARROWS — Leaders with Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation say additional policing, security and mental health supports are being mobilized in Pelican Narrows following a series of violent incidents that have shaken the northern community.
During a May 22 news conference in Prince Albert, PBCN leadership extended condolences to the families of Jay’siiah Webb-Long and Jaden Custer while raising concerns about ongoing violence, including drive-by shootings, firearm incidents and gang
The following day, Vice Chief Justin Halcrow and PBCN leadership convened an emergency meeting with frontline workers, RCMP representatives, health staff, educators, security personnel and support agencies to co-ordinate an immediate response to the escalating crisis.
In a public notice issued May 23, PBCN leadership said health, education, security, policing and support agencies had been brought together to respond to community concerns and keep residents informed.
“Leadership wants the community to know: we are taking this seriously,” the notice stated.
Leadership also urged residents to avoid spreading rumours and rely on official updates for accurate information.
A community sharing circle and open house is planned for May 28 at 1 p.m., with the location still to be determined. Leadership said the event will allow residents to ask questions, share concerns and support community healing efforts.
The Edmonton Police Service arrested Brett McCallum on May 23 in the Edmonton area. RCMP said court details were still being determined and would be released when available.
Residents were also advised that non-resident workers, including health staff, support workers, couriers, census workers and pharmacy delivery personnel, may be present in the community and should not be considered a cause for alarm.
Mental health supports have also been expanded in response to the community’s grief and fear.
PBCN said four teams of mental health therapists, consisting of about 16 staff members, have been deployed. Elders and a Knowledge Keeper are also supporting services, with Cree-speaking and culturally grounded supports being prioritized.
Support services are available through youth centres and the Angelique Canada Health Centre. Leadership also acknowledged the burden being carried by frontline workers, educators and health staff, noting that dedicated employee supports are available.
Schools in Pelican Narrows will remain open with increased security measures in place at Wapawikoscikan School and Wapanacak School the notice said.
Leadership said maintaining safe and structured environments for children remains a priority and sends a message that violence will not disrupt families and students. Security staff are now operating in pairs under updated protocols.
Due to safety concerns, grad parties will not be permitted on school grounds.
Several community events have also been postponed, including Treaty Day celebrations, bingo, the Fish Derby and other grad-related activities. Leadership said new dates would be announced when it is safe to proceed.
Professional security services are also being deployed to the community, while local night watch patrols continue until those services are fully operational.
RCMP officers are expected to increase patrols near the Narrows area as resources permit and assist with enforcement of community bylaws related to quads, fireworks, alcohol and trespassing. PBCN leadership confirmed the existing quad ban remains in effect.
PBCN said longer-term discussions are also underway, including reviewing housing policy options involving tenants connected to drug trafficking or dangerous activity. A housing committee meeting has been scheduled for June 1.
Leadership is also working to secure accommodations for outside support workers and strengthen collaboration between Child and Family Services, the Hub, wellness programs, Holistic Health services and PBCN leadership.
