There are reported structure losses in La Ronge Wednesday. Video and photos on social media show firefighters battling flames engulfing buildings in La Ronge including the iconic Robertson Trading Post which was destroyed by wildfire on Tuesday night.
Alex and Phyllis Robertson moved to La Ronge in 1967 starting the general store and fur trading post and were still in business more than 50 years later.
On social media the owners posted that while officially closing December 31st, 2023, they had been opening periodically since then.
They were still housing hundreds of pieces of Indigenous art and historical artifacts and describes the loss as catastrophic. Some of the items lost include the beaded moosehide jackets and moccasins, the birchbark baskets, the antler carvings, and the original paintings.
From Facebook: “Let this tragedy be a reminder to all that a moccasin is not just a slipper, that a beaded cardholder or keychain is not just a practical accessory; please hold your own pieces of indigenous art close to your heart. Protect them. Never forget that these wonderful creations can be gone in an instant and that what is lost is far more than just leather, bone, and beads.”
Photo Credit: North Battleford Fire Department of the structures burning in La Ronge.
