Historic Indigenous artwork lost in La Ronge wildfire

WATCH: Historic Robertsons Trading Post – once home to generations of Indigenous artwork – and Rona Store were lost when wildfire breached La Ronge.

After an anxious wait, residents of La Ronge are finally making their way home following a wildfire evacuation.

The historic Robertson’s Trading Post - once home to generations of Indigenous artwork - was lost to the flames. The neighbouring Rona store burned to the ground.

“Everybody knew that Robertson’s was a special place, that it reflected the history of northern Saskatchewan and Indigenous people,” said owner Scott Robertson. “Everybody feels the loss, and I say this over and over. It wasn’t just a loss for the Robertson family. I mean, this community will be hard pressed to replace this.”

Seven thousand people were forced to head south on June 2, leaving their homes behind.

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While most of the structures in La Ronge remain, several homes north of town at Eagle Point were sadly lost to the flames, with little remaining of the buildings.

Those who did not lose their homes are relieved.

“It’s a little bittersweet, but it’s awesome to be home,” said one evacuee who returned June 12. “Our properties are good. We look after 144 properties. So, we were really happy that everything was good when we got home.”

“I feel better, I’m back at home,” said another evacuee.

Northerners who do their shopping in the hub of La Ronge are finally able to grab some much-needed groceries. The emergency room is now open, but pharmacies remain closed until June 13.

“There’s choppers still picking things out, and there’s activity to the south of us,” said La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski about the current fire situation. “But we’ve been reassured that security will be safe, and we didn’t want to prolong the evacuation. People are having some issues there to the south, accessing service.”As evacuees continue to arrive, the focus will shift to recovery.