The remains of Chief Jack Rayne's family home after a fire last weekend. (submitted photo/GoFundMe)

By Nigel Maxwell

Waiting for answers

‘This is pretty serious what happened to me’: northern chief responds to house fire

Jun 17, 2020 | 5:00 PM

The Chief of Big River First Nation says it’s too early to be making any assumptions about who’s responsible for a weekend fire that destroyed his family’s home and RV.

Jack Rayne spoke to paNOW on Wednesday, and addressed comments made Tuesday by the CEO of the Agency Chiefs Tribal Council (ACTC).

Ken Thomas said the incident Saturday night may be gang-related, and cited actions taken by chief and council in the past few months to crack down on gang and drug activity.

Rayne said he disagrees with any assumption the fire might be the result of some sort of retaliation.

“I’m not trying to protect anybody. It’s just that we don’t know the answers right now and there’s an investigation going on,” he said.

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Rayne also explained he did not feel Thomas was in any position to comment about his community, given that as of last April, Big River First Nation was no longer a member of the ACTC.

“I didn’t really appreciate those kinds of comments and I think he should be talking to us first before he goes and says something about my community and how I’m doing out here,” Rayne said.

When asked if he received any threats prior to the fire, Rayne said no, and added he felt his time as chief since being elected last fall, has gone smoothly.

Chief Jack Rayne with his wife Karen and son Alexx. (submitted photo/GoFundMe)

At the time of the fire last weekend, Rayne explained he was away from home, attending a family event with his wife and son.

“My phone was ringing off the hook, so I answered it and they told me my house was on fire,” he said.

Rayne immediately rushed home, but by then the structure was already fully engulfed, as well as the nearby RV. The family lost everything including personal mementos and photos. On Tuesday morning, the RCMP issued a press release, indicating the fire was deliberately set.

“It’s scary,” Rayne said, adding he does not know if he was targeted. “This is pretty serious what happened to me.”

Since last weekend’s fire, two separate fundraisers have been created. One was to help pay for the cost of a new home, and another will help furnish it. Over $10,000 was raised by Wednesday afternoon. Rayne, who is currently staying with other family, said he is very grateful for the generosity.

“I really appreciate every dollar I’m getting because right now I have nothing,” Rayne said.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell