The long-simmering tensions between the village of Richmound and the followers of self-proclaimed "Queen of Canada" Romana Didulo boiled over last week, leading to the indefinite closure of the village office and a physical altercation with RCMP that resulted in one arrest.
First, the village of Richmound announced its municipal office would be closed to the public for the foreseeable future, citing “harassment and intimidation of office staff.” Access to the office will now be granted by appointment only. In an official notice, the village council stated the measure was necessary to “protect our staff and maintain a safe workplace” in accordance with provincial health and safety standards.
The situation escalated further on Friday when officers from the Leader RCMP detachment were called to the former Richmound School, where Didulo and her followers have been occupying since September 2023. Officers were initially dispatched to keep the peace during an interaction between municipal personnel and the property's occupants.
A video later surfaced online showing a physical engagement between RCMP officers and individuals at the school. RCMP have since confirmed that one person was taken into custody following the incident. An investigation into the matter is ongoing.
These recent events are the latest in a troubled timeline since Didulo's arrival in the community of approximately 150 people. Her group, which refers to itself as the “Kingdom of Canada,” has been a source of significant friction, leading to protests by residents who want them to leave. The group has previously issued pseudo-legal cease and desist notices to locals, with some allegedly containing threats of “public execution”.
For nearly two years, the community has been deeply divided, with some residents feeling intimidated and unsafe. The village council has previously called on the Saskatchewan government for assistance in resolving the volatile situation.
--with files from Hayden Michaels/swiftcurrentonline.com