Lac La Ronge Indian Band

05/05/2026

LLRIB urged members to help address stray dog concerns

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) would like to assure all community members that we are actively addressing the ongoing issue of stray and roaming dogs across our communities.

Between January 1 and April 10, 2026, LLRIB Animal Control has successfully apprehended and re-homed 103 stray dogs, placing them in safe homes in southern Saskatchewan. In 2025, LLRIB apprehended and re-homed 175 stray dogs. This work is ongoing and reflects the Band’s commitment to improving public safety and animal welfare.

LLRIB has an Animal Care and Control Bylaw, ratified by Chief and Council in May 2024, which is actively being enforced. Our Animal Control Officers are working daily—including weekends and statutory holidays—to apprehend, impound, and care for stray dogs. Our current facility has a maximum capacity of 10 dogs, and staff provide daily feeding, watering, and care under often challenging conditions.

While enforcement efforts continue, it is important for all community members to understand that the root cause of the stray dog issue is uncontrolled breeding. Dogs that are not spayed or neutered will continue to reproduce. When a female dog is in heat, it attracts multiple unneutered male dogs, often forming packs. This natural behavior can create dangerous situations for the dog, nearby residents, and the community at large.

LLRIB has spay and neuter clinics available at no cost to dog owners, yet participation remains a critical challenge. Without responsible ownership, the dog population will continue to grow and pose increasing risks, including the potential for serious incidents.

The Band is currently exploring solutions to strengthen its response, including:

•Increasing Animal Control staffing levels
•Constructing a larger, more suitable dog pound facility
•Partnering with the tri-community to coordinate regional efforts
However, lasting change depends on the actions of dog owners and community members.

We strongly urge all residents to:

•Spay or neuter your dogs
•Keep your dogs under control at all times
•Limit the number of dogs in your care to a manageable level

This is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can create a safer, healthier environment for both people and animals in our communities.

For more information or to access spay/neuter services, please contact LLRIB Animal Control at [email protected], or call the office at 306-425-2884.

Let’s all do our part.

05/05/2026

🗓️Please note: Times and dates for Saskatoon and Prince Albert will be posted once they are confirmed. Please watch for updates!

04/30/2026

📸 Hall Lake Swearing-In Ceremony – April 27, 2026

Hall Lake came together on Monday, April 27, at the Hall Lake Community Hall for a local swearing-in ceremony for Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and Councillor Joseph Ratt.

Also sworn in was Elder Leonard Halkett, representing Hall Lake and Morin Lake on the Council of Elders, recognized for his role in providing guidance and leadership within LLRIB.

The ceremony brought leadership home — giving community members the opportunity to witness the oaths of office.

📷 Take a look through some highlights from Hall Lake, capturing the people and moments that made the day meaningful.

04/30/2026

📸 Sucker River Swearing-In Ceremony – April 27, 2026

Sucker River welcomed leadership on Monday, April 27, as community members gathered at the Sucker River Community Hall for a local swearing-in ceremony recognizing both Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and Councillor Korrie Ratt.

Sucker River’s Elder Angelique Ratt was also sworn in, recognized for her role in providing guidance and leadership within the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

Witnessing the oaths of office in the community brings leadership closer to the people — grounding it in the voices, values, and support of those they serve.

📷 These photos capture the spirit of the day, from the swearing-in to the gathering of community members who came out in support.

04/27/2026

LLRIB to pursue legal options after Ottawa rejects treaty annuity claim

(Treaty 6 Territory, Woodland Cree) Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Sask.– The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) says it is prepared to pursue legal action after the federal government rejected its claim to increase the $5 annual treaty annuity paid to its members.

Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s Specific Claims Branch informed the band of its decision on March 24, 2026, stating it does not have a lawful obligation to raise the payment, which has remained unchanged despite inflation since Treaty 6 was signed in 1876.

LLRIB filed the claim in February 2025, arguing Ottawa has failed to adjust the annuity to maintain its purchasing power over time. As of March 24, 2026, the claim had not been accepted for negotiation.
Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said the decision is inconsistent with Canada’s approach to similar claims and undermines reconciliation efforts.

"We are deeply disappointed by Canada's decision to reject LLRIB's annuities claim for negotiation under the Specific Claims Process," said Chief Tammy Cook-Searson. "Canada recently settled annuity claims with Treaty 8 First Nations yet has chosen not to treat Treaty 6 First Nations on the same basis. This inconsistency is fundamentally at odds with the honour of the Crown and Canada's stated commitment to reconciliation."

Chief Cook-Searson said the decision raises broader concerns about Canada’s willingness to uphold treaty promises.
"This rejection is a significant setback for reconciliation and further undermines confidence that Canada will honour the solemn promises made through Treaty," she said.

"LLRIB will pursue all legal action and political avenues necessary to hold Canada accountable," said Chief Cook-Searson. "This claim is about honouring Treaty commitments and we remain committed to pursuing justice and the full recognition of our Treaty rights."

Treaty 6 was signed in 1876, which LLRIB adhered to in 1889, and includes provisions for annual annuity payments to First Nations members, a commitment LLRIB says must reflect present-day realities.

04/22/2026

04/20/2026

📸 LLRIB Swearing-In Ceremony – April 17, 2026

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band officially welcomed its newly elected leadership during a swearing-in ceremony at Kitsaki Hall on Friday, April 17 in La Ronge.

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson was sworn in for her eighth consecutive term, alongside Vice-Chief Jimmy Charles, and Councillors representing communities across the Band:

* Tracey Halkett and Keith Mirasty (Little Red River)
* Nora Charles (Grandmother’s Bay)
* Joseph Ratt (Hall Lake/Morin Lake)
* Korrie Ratt (Sucker River)
* Cora Ballantyne-Roberts and Linda A. Charles (Stanley Mission)
* Ann Ratt, Dean Roberts, Sam Roberts, and Cheryline Venne (La Ronge)

The ceremony was guided by Master of Ceremonies Tom Roberts, with an opening prayer from Elder Rodney Hegland. An honour song by Ricky McKenzie and the drummers and singers set the tone for the ceremony, conducted by Elder Abel Charles, with Lydia Gauthier serving as Commissioner of Oaths.

Remarks were also shared by Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte of the Prince Albert Grand Council, who offered congratulations and acknowledged the leadership and responsibilities ahead.

A special acknowledgement was made to the Council of Elders Appointees, whose guidance and leadership remain central to the strength of the Nation:

* Abel Charles (Grandmother’s Bay)
* Leonard Halkett (Morin Lake)
* Angelique Ratt (Sucker River)
* Sarah Ballantyne and Lester Roberts (Stanley Mission)
* Rodney Hegland and Bella Sanderson (La Ronge)

Elders, families, and community members came together to witness the oaths of office and support the new leadership as they begin their term.

📷 Photos from the ceremony capture these meaningful moments — from the honour song and oaths to the gathering of leadership and community.

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📅 Upcoming Community Swearing-In Ceremonies

Community members are invited to attend upcoming ceremonies in each community:

Tuesday, April 21
* Grandmother’s Bay – Nora Charles (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Band Hall)
* La Ronge – Chief Tammy Cook-Searson & Councillors Ann Ratt, Cheryline Venne, Dean Roberts, Sam Roberts (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, JRMCC)

Wednesday, April 22
* Stanley Mission – Cora Ballantyne-Roberts, Linda A. Charles, Jimmy Charles (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Band Hall)

Thursday, April 23
* Little Red River – Keith Mirasty, Tracey Halkett (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Community White Band Hall)

Friday, April 24
* Hall Lake – Joseph Ratt (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Community Hall)

Monday, April 27
* Sucker River – Korrie Ratt (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Community Hall)

Meals will be provided at each location.

Congratulations once again to Chief and Council as they begin this new term of leadership in service to the people of LLRIB.

04/13/2026

LLRIB Appoints First Vice Chief in Nation’s History

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) has appointed Councillor Jimmy Charles as its first-ever Vice Chief, marking a historic milestone in the Band's governance structure.

The newly created position was established by Chief and Council to strengthen leadership capacity and enhance the Nation's ability to serve its members across six electoral sections. Councillor Charles was selected by Council to take on the additional role following the 2026 General Election.

Chief Tammy Cook-Searson said the role reflects the Nation's commitment to responsive and effective governance.

"This role will help ensure we continue to meet the needs of our communities," said Chief Cook-Searson. "Vice Chief Jimmy Charles will work closely with me and council members in supporting governance and community priorities."

As Vice Chief, Councillor Charles will serve as second-in-command to the Chief, with responsibilities spanning leadership support, intergovernmental coordination, and community engagement across the Band's six electoral sections. He will continue to serve in his capacity as an elected Councillor while assuming the new Vice Chief duties.

Vice Chief Charles said he is honoured to take on the historic role.

"I look forward to working with the Chief, Council and our communities as we move forward together," said Vice Chief Charles.

The appointment is the first time in the Lac La Ronge Indian Band's history that a Vice Chief position has been formally recognized as part of its governing structure.

04/05/2026

LLRIB Mourns the Passing of former Chief James (Tom J.) McKenzie

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) announces with deep sorrow the passing of former Chief James Thomas (Tom J.) McKenzie of Stanley Mission — a beloved community member, and one of the most dedicated leaders in our Nation’s history.

Tom’s connection to LLRIB and Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership spanned more than four decades. He was among the first Band members to complete the LLRIB Teacher Training Program (1978–1981), including Nihithow Tech (Teachers of Every Child), later earning a Bachelor of Education with distinction from the University of Regina in 1981.

He served as Chief from 1983 to 1985, and as a Band Councillor, providing steady and principled leadership during a formative time in the Nation’s governance. In the 1980s, Tom played a key role in the early development of Kitsaki, serving as Operations Manager in 1987 as the organization established joint ventures with mining companies — creating employment opportunities for members in guiding, mapping, line cutting, and prospecting.

“Tom McKenzie was a dedicated and respected leader in our community whose decades of work in governance, economic development, and land rights leave a lasting legacy,” said Chief Tammy Cook-Searson. “His guidance, generosity, and determination will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to the Stanley Mission community during this difficult time.”

A lifelong learner, Tom pursued advanced studies at the Banff School of Advanced Management, building expertise in finance, law, negotiations, environmental conflict resolution, and economics — knowledge he carried in service of his people throughout his career.

Since 1995, he served as LLRIB’s Land Claims Coordinator, leading negotiations on behalf of the Nation for numerous Land and Treaty claims. At the time of his passing, he was working toward final settlements for the Timber and Loss of Use claims, and was a key negotiator in securing the Agricultural Benefits Settlement Agreement.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Viewing — 11:00 a.m.
300B–300 Marquis Drive, Prince Albert
Wake Services — 6:00 p.m.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Stanley Mission

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Funeral Services — 2:00 p.m.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Stanley Mission

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band asks that community members keep Tom’s family and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.