Irreplaceable historical data lost in Cumberland House band office fire
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The loss of irreplaceable historical data and material in a fire which consumed the Cumberland House Cree Nation (CHCN) band office is being called ‘insurmountable.’
According to a CHCN media release, the fire started early this morning at the southwest side of the building and, by approximately 9 a.m., it was fully engulfed by smoke and fire. The local fire department could not control the progression of the fire and the Carrot River Fire Department, located 150 kilometers away, were called to assist in the attempt to extinguish the fire.
Cumberland House RCMP also attended the scene and all external agencies and stakeholders were notified. The release states Prince Albert Grand Council deployed its Saskatchewan First Nation Emergency Management Team to assist in the assessment and investigate the source of the fire.
The band office included a number of departments such as finance, housing, income assistance, post-secondary student support, membership, daycare/Headstart, justice, and chief and council administration. Chief Rene Chaboyer has called for an emergency meeting this afternoon.
