Chief Rene Chaboyer stated arson was responsible for the fire. (Prince Albert Grand Council)

By Derek Cornet

Fire Investigation

Arson responsible for Cumberland House band office fire: Chief Rene Chaboyer

Dec 2, 2019 | 5:39 PM

Cumberland House Cree Nation Chief Rene Chaboyer stated the fire that destroyed the local band office this morning was an act of arson.

“RCMP have confirmed arson, so we’re just trying to get our employees together and reassure them no jobs will be lost,” he said. “We’re currently in a rebuild mode at the moment.”

Chaboyer mentioned the fire was noticed by Coun. Angus McKenzie around 5 a.m. when he was out checking his traps. He noted the local fire department was called, which immediately responded to the blaze. It’s believed whomever started the fire knew the characteristics of starting one, Chaboyer said, since it occurred on the southwest corner and the wind hampered efforts by the fire crew to extinguish it.

“This threat has been knocking on our door for a couple years now ever since I’ve been in politics,” he said. “Not so much with the band, but a few individuals get worked up I guess sometimes, but I’m sure that’s not only here, I’m sure it’s all over. When you’re trying to make positive changes and you get a lot of push back.”

In regards to the irreplaceable historical data and material lost, Chaboyer noted it pertains to documents about their specific land claim, traditional land use maps and photographs. Much of the band’s data was stored online and is recoverable.

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Chaboyer mentioned the band has several buildings they can use until a new band office is built. He also wanted to thank community members for rallying together and not faltering in a time of need.

“From here on, it’s take it day-by-day,” Chaboyer said. “Our finance team and council are working together to move forward, and from there we will just let the investigation take its course.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno