Cree family of 20 left without housing after fire, with some living in shacks during winter

A devastating fire in July left a Cree family of 20 without a home in Pelican Narrows, a community in Northern Saskatchewan. The elderly couple, Maryanne and Gordon Ballantyne, who had lived in the same home for 30 years, found themselves homeless along with their extended family members. With a lack of housing options within the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, the family was forced to camp on their own property after the fire destroyed their home.

Living in an uninsulated trailer with their youngest grandchildren and great grandchildren, the Ballantynes struggled to stay warm as temperatures dropped. Other family members resorted to sleeping in tents or shacks, without running water or reliable heat. The situation became dire when snowfall in November made living conditions even more challenging.

Videos shared by family members on social media painted a heartbreaking picture of their living situation. One video showed Gordon warming up in his truck, while another showed Marshal Jonathan McKenzie waking up to snow surrounding his sleeping bag in a tent/shack. The family was running low on logs for their wood burning stoves, and some structures were at risk of burning through due to the ashes.

Despite efforts by the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation to secure a ready-to-move home for the family, logistical challenges delayed the delivery until January 2025. The community’s housing crisis, with only 335 housing units for over 3,900 members, highlighted the broader challenges faced by residents of Pelican Narrows.

In the midst of these difficulties, some progress has been made. Maryanne and Gordon Ballantyne, along with the young children in their care, have been temporarily moved into a mobile home with heat, water, and power. While this provides some relief, the family continues to advocate for permanent housing solutions for all members.

As the community grapples with ongoing challenges, including violence and limited infrastructure, there is a renewed call for support from government officials. Indigenous Services Canada has acknowledged the need for improved housing and mental health resources in the community, committing funding for future projects. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all members of the family have safe and adequate housing in the long term.