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23
May
2026
2026
Community Notice: Pelican Narrows Public Safety
PBCN Community Notice: Pelican Narrows Public Safety
Condolences: Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation leadership extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those lost in recent days.
We grieve with you. We are holding your families in our hearts, and we ask the entire community to surround those who are suffering with care, compassion, and prayer.
Emergency Community Meeting:
Vice Chief Justin Halcrow and PBCN leadership convened an emergency meeting today, May 23, 2026, to coordinate an immediate response to the escalating public safety crisis in Pelican Narrows.
The meeting included:
- PBCN leadership
- Frontline workers
- RCMP representatives
- Health staff
- Education officials
- Security personnel
- Support agencies
This notice summarizes the decisions made and the supports available to the community.
Leadership wants the community to know: we are taking this seriously.
Health, education, security, policing and support agencies have been brought together to act, and leadership is committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way.
Crime Stoppers
If you have information about criminal activity in Pelican Narrows, please contact:
Crime Stoppers
1-800-222-8477
1-800-222-TIPS
Tips can be submitted anonymously.
A Note on Rumours
Leadership is aware that fear in the community has led to the spread of rumours, some of which are false.
PBCN leadership wants to be a trusted and reliable source of information during this time.
Leadership has been advised that Edmonton Police Service arrested Brett McCallum on May 23 in the Edmonton area. He is expected to be transported back to Saskatchewan for his first court appearance. RCMP have advised that court details are still being determined and will be shared when available.
Community members are asked to rely on official communications from PBCN leadership and avoid sharing unverified information that may cause additional fear and harm.
Non-Resident Workers in the Community
Residents are advised that legitimate non-resident workers may currently be in the community, including:
- Health staff
- Support workers
- Couriers
- Census workers
- Crescent Heights Pharmacy delivery staff assisting residents with medications and essential services
Their presence is not a cause for alarm.
Community members also have the right to ask for identification.
RCMP leadership will communicate any identified threat to the community immediately.
Mental Health and Crisis Support: The community is carrying tremendous grief and fear right now. Mental health support is available. Please reach out.
Supports available:
- Four teams of mental health therapists
- Approximately 16 staff in total
- Elders and a Knowledge Keeper supporting services
- Services available at youth centres
- Cree-speaking and culturally grounded supports are being prioritized
For frontline workers: Leadership recognizes the extraordinary burden being carried by health staff, educators and community workers.
Dedicated support for employees is available.
Home visits have been temporarily suspended except where essential. Health staff will continue to reach out by phone.
For urgent support, contact:
Angelique Canada Health Centre
306-632-2046
Schools Open with Enhanced Security
After careful consideration, leadership has decided that schools will remain open.
Keeping children in a safe, structured environment is important for their well-being. It also sends a clear message that a small group of individuals will not disrupt the lives of children and families.
Security is being increased at:
- Wapawikoscikan School
- Wapanacak School
Security staff are operating in pairs and have been provided with updated protocols.
Grad parties will not be permitted on school grounds at this time due to safety concerns.
Parents are reminded that student safety is the top priority. If you have concerns about your child’s safety, please contact the school directly.
Postponed Community Events
Out of respect for those who are grieving, and to prioritize community safety, the following events have been postponed:
- Pelican Narrows Treaty Day is postponed until further notice
- Bingo is postponed
- The Fish Derby is postponed
- Grad-related events are postponed
- Several other community events are postponed
- Grad parties will not be permitted on school grounds due to ongoing safety concerns
Updated dates will be shared when it is safe and appropriate to reschedule.
Leadership looks forward to celebrating together when the time is right.
Community Security: Professional security services are being deployed to Pelican Narrows.
Local security will continue in a night watch role until professional security is fully in place.
RCMP will increase patrols near the Narrows area as resources allow and will assist with enforcement of community bylaws related to:
- Quads
- Fireworks
- Alcohol
- Trespassing
The quad ban remains in effect.
RCMP has confirmed they can support bylaw enforcement efforts.
Long-Term Actions Underway
Leadership is committed to lasting solutions, not only short-term responses.
Discussions are underway on the following:
- Reviewing housing policy options to address tenants involved in drug trafficking or dangerous activity
- A housing committee meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2026
- Securing additional accommodations for outside support workers and security personnel
- Strengthening collaboration between Child and Family Services, the Hub, WMP, Holistic Health services and PBCN leadership
Upcoming Meeting
Community members are encouraged to attend the upcoming sharing circle to share concerns, ask questions and hear directly from leadership.
Community Sharing Circle / Open House
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: To be determined
Purpose: Hear from leadership, ask questions and support community healing.
Who can attend: All community members are welcome.
Important Contacts
Crime Stoppers
1-800-222-8477
1-800-222-TIPS
Anonymous tips accepted 24/7.
Mental Health Support
Angelique Canada Health Centre
306-632-2046
PBCN leadership thanks all frontline workers, health staff, educators, security personnel, Elders and community members who continue working together to keep the community safe during this difficult time.
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