PAGC condemns unauthorized protest during wildfire evacuations
(Treaty 5, 6, 8 & 10) PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is condemning a planned protest at the Prince Albert bridge, calling it irresponsible and dangerous as northern communities face emergency wildfire evacuations.
The demonstration, scheduled for Saturday, June 7 at noon, is being promoted online as a blockade in defence of Indigenous lands and Treaty rights. PAGC says the event is not affiliated with its leadership or any of its 12 member First Nations.
“This so-called blockade is not only unauthorized — it is irresponsible and dangerous,” said Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte. “We are in the middle of a wildfire crisis. Our communities are under evacuation, and emergency crews need unrestricted access to respond. Anyone interfering with critical fire operations is putting lives at risk. This action does not represent our people, our leadership, or our values. We condemn it in the strongest terms.”
Several PAGC communities remain under evacuation orders as wildfires continue to burn across northern Saskatchewan. The council says the proposed protest risks obstructing key transportation routes used for evacuation and firefighting operations.
PAGC is urging all members and the general public not to participate in the protest and instead support affected communities through safe, coordinated and lawful means.
