The home of Chief Jack Rayne was reduced to a pile of ash and wood Saturday night. (gofundme)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community Loss

Northern reserve fire gang related, says CEO of tribal council

Jun 16, 2020 | 5:00 PM

As RCMP investigate the cause of last weekend’s tragic house fire on the Big River First Nation, the CEO of the governing body that oversees the northern reserve, is offering his own take on what happened and who may be responsible.

Ken Thomas with the Agency Chiefs Tribal Council, explained to paNOW leadership in all three of its member communities (Big River, Witchekan, and Pelican Lake), have been very active in recent weeks, as a result of COVID-19, cracking down on gang and drug activity through check stops and other lockdown measures.

“Throughout that process they have clearly identified and kicked the hornets nest,” Thomas said.

Chief Jack Rayne’s house burned to the ground Saturday night, and with it all the family’s personal belongings including irreplaceable mementos such as pictures and the couple’s marriage license. The family was not home at the time of the fire, but Thomas explained they were nearby.

“They watched it burn, and they stood outside and cried,” he said.

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Several people, claiming to be band members, contacted paNOW on Tuesday and described feelings of frustration towards leadership. Thomas said the COVID-19 protocols have raised anxiety levels in the small communities, but added he thinks gangs are ultimately responsible, reacting to being publicly identified by leadership.

“The gangs are saying yeah we know where you live,” he said.

Thomas claimed the incident at Big River First Nation is not isolated, and explained someone threatened to burn down the chief’s house at Pelican Lake, although no action was taken.

“He says he hasn’t slept for days because he is constantly on the alert especially after this happened at Big River First Nation,” Thomas said.

The cause of Saturday’s fire remains under investigation, and Thomas said the Tribal Council is working closely with the RCMP, sharing information, and addressing concerns related to community safety.

A spokesperson for the RCMP emailed a statement to paNOW, and indicated the belief that Saturday’s fire was an isolated incident.

“We remain in regular contact with the individuals involved. Saskatchewan RCMP continues to investigate incidents such as these that impact public safety. We continue to listen and strengthen our relationships with communities like the Big River First Nation and address their specific policing and community safety needs. We remain committed to working with community leaders to keep these communities safe.”

Community fundraising

A gofundme page has been created with the sole purpose of raising money to build the Rayne family a new house.

Meanwhile the tribal council has embarked on its own fundraising drive, to raise $50,000 to furnish the house. A cheque for $5,000 was signed on Tuesday, and Thomas said staff at the office have also been passing the hat around.

“However much staff raise, I’ve pledged to match it,” he said

The community of Witchekan Lake has also started its own fundraising campaign.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell