RCMP are investigating a church fire on Thunderchild First Nation, northwest of North Battleford, that two Saskatchewan MPs say reflects a rise in hate crimes against places of worship.

Turtleford RCMP received a report of a structure fire at the Thunderchild Word Church around 8 a.m. on Sept. 1. Fire crews and officers responded, and no injuries were reported.

Read more: • ‘Queen of Canada’ demands release in Swift Current court • Saskatchewan Roughriders head to ‘Hornet’s nest’ in Winnipeg to face Bombers

“This investigation remains ongoing, which includes the circumstances surrounding how the fire started,” RCMP said in an email sent to battlefordsNOW.

For Alvina Thunderchild, who co-pastors the church with her husband Fred, the devastation is both financial and deeply personal.

See Full Page