Posted: May 05, 2021 12:54 PM CT | Last Updated: May 6
Susan Jolly-Maxie picking muskeg medicine for her family in one of the areas slated for peat mining near her home in the La Ronge, Sask. region. (Miriam Körner)
When Cumberland NDP MLA Doyle Vermette rose in the Saskatchewan legislature recently to present a petition, a Grade 7 class from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band was watching closely. I was so excited, said teacher Kona Barreda. I started clapping and cheering.
The petition calls on the provincial government to reject a proposal to mine peat moss near La Ronge. It bears more than 20,000 signatures and has roots running back to Barreda s class.
Prince Albert Daily Herald
Photo submitted by City of Prince Albert.
The Government of Saskatchewan recently announced an investment of $1.5 million in the Community Airport Partnership (CAP) program as part of Budget 2021-22. The funding will provide improvements to 19 community airports around the province. When combined with local matching dollars, CAP represents a $3 million investment in provincial airport infrastructure.
Prince Albert was approved for two application including a runway windsock and end markers and addition of a buried wildlife fence to the airport perimeter fence, which is valued at $106,650.
“As a commercial pilot myself, I know of the benefit these investments will have on some of our more rural and remote communities,” Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said in a release.
SASKATOON The Lac La Ronge Indian Band and residents in the area are voicing their concerns about plans to harvest peat from traditional land. Lambert Peat Moss, a company based in Quebec, plans to harvest from four sections of land south of La Ronge – but it’s facing concern that the project would harm wildlife and traditional use of the land, such as for trapping, ceremonies and collecting medicines. Over 20,000 people have signed an online petition created by Kona Barreda, a member of the Facebook group For Peat’s Sake – Protecting Northern Saskatchewan Muskegs. “I feel a strong connection to this land, and I just feel like my ancestors are all here with me and they are pushing me to protect this land,” said Barreda.
Family of Happy Charles plans events to raise awareness
The family of Happy Charles is getting ready to again raise awareness about her disappearance.
Next week on May 7 in Prince Albert and on May 9 in La Ronge car parades are planned. Charles hasn’t been seen since April 3, 2017, she was last seen in Prince Albert.
Carson Poitras, Charles’ father explained they usually organize a walk but said this year they are doing a car parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Poitras said this year would have been the fourth year the family walked for Charles and explained in line with ceremonial protocol this year’s event will be the last one. He added the family will not be stopping their work to advocate for missing people and for Charles.
Joyce Naytowhow-McLeod was elected Chief of Montreal Lake Cree Nation last fall, and Tammy Cook-Searson was re-elected Chief of Lac La Ronge Indian Band in May 2020.
Susan Custer (Linklater), the first female Chief of PBCN, was elected in 1999 and served one term. Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte released a statement about the election results.
“On behalf of the PAGC Executive, we look forward to working with the new and re-elected Chief and Council for Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation,” he said
Hardlotte explained he called Chief Karen Bird first thing this morning to sent his congratulations and welcomed her to PAGC’s circle of Chiefs.