Emma Levez
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jul 08/98) - One night of vandalism on Pickerel Lake last week left a camp in ruins.

It was Thursday before the devastation was discovered by Michael Buchanan, one of the 10 Yellowknifers who have been using the area as a weekend camping spot for three summers.

"I was just devastated when I found it," he said, "All the people who had worked on that camp, all the time we've put in, a lot of personal sweat went into it -- all those memories have been destroyed."

Approximately $1,000 worth of camping equipment was demolished -- tents, air mattresses and pumps, sleeping bags and action packers were slashed and burned beyond repair. In addition, there was obscene graffiti and general destruction of handmade willow chairs, flagpoles, a makeshift shelter and a variety of dishes and other personal belongings of sentimental value.

Buchanan's first reaction was discouragement. He said he was so disappointed that he didn't even want to attempt to rebuild the camp.

People who live in the area had never shown any contempt for them, he claims. The campers were not rowdy or noisy, and they found it hard to understand why someone would do this. "It wasn't even as if things were stolen" said Buchanan, "They just destroyed everything."

Over the weekend the whole group went out to clean up. They talked to residents in the area and discovered that two cottagers had seen a rowdy group heading in the direction of the camp on Monday night. They thought it was just a noisy party, but went out the next day and saw the damage that had been done.

The group collectively decided to restore the camp. "We want to make them see that they can't get rid of us that easily," said Buchanan.

On Tuesday they also made a complaint to the police. "Our main concern is not compensation," said Buchanan, "We just want (the culprits) to know that they're known."

RCMP Const. Keith Fahie said the culprits could be charged with mischief, even though the incident occurred on Crown land.

"The group would have to make a complaint and an investigation would probably be done depending on the reality of the situation (if there was enough evidence and if the possessions ruined were of value)."