Citing an increase in violent events on Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Deschambault Lake, the communities of Pelican Narrows and Deschambault Lake have declared a state of emergency.

In a news release Chief Karen Bird of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation says, “The constant sound of gunfire has left our members in a constant state of concern and distress due to the relentless violence.”

Twenty-seven-year-old Tristan Custer from Deschambault Lake was in Provincial Court on Monday charged with second degree murder in connection to the Oct. 1 death of a 17-year-old youth from Deschambault Lake. Custer was arrested in Prince Albert Oct. 10.

The First Nation says due to this and other violent events there has been a significant increase in the demand for community services particularly health care. And PBCN leadership says that sector is under strain because those health care professions are expressing concern for their safety which has led to a halt in some services.

They also say that historically speaking Peter Ballantyne First Nation is known to have one of the highest crime rates in the country and has faced socio-economic challenges say the First Nation says “they urgently need resources, funding and support to guarantee a safe and secure environment.”