Based on coverage from CBC, CTV, and the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.
Richmound's Struggle with the "Queen of Canada" Cult
For nearly two years, the small village of Richmound, Saskatchewan, found itself in the grip of an unusual and unsettling situation. Romana Didulo, a self-proclaimed "Queen of Canada," and her followers took up residence in a converted school building, disrupting the lives of the village's 120 residents. Located 365 kilometres west of Regina, near the Alberta border, Richmound became an unlikely stage for a bizarre chapter in Canadian rural life.
The presence of Didulo's cult brought more than just oddity to the village; it introduced fear and harassment. Residents like Shauna Sehn reported threats and intimidation, leading to significant turnover in village administration. The situation became so dire that the village's administrator resigned in December 2024, with subsequent replacements lasting only a few months. The community's ordeal was compounded by financial strain, with legal and cleanup costs potentially reaching $75,000—a hefty sum for such a small population.
Related: Self-Proclaimed 'Queen of Canada' Faces Bail Hearing in Saskatchewan Court
Provincial Government's Response and Financial Aid
In September, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) raided the compound, arresting Didulo and 15 of her followers. This action brought some relief to the beleaguered village, but the aftermath of the cult's presence continues to weigh heavily. The financial burden of legal fees and potential demolition costs for the former school building looms large. Richmound's residents, joined by Saskatchewan NDP ethics critic Brittney Senger, have called on the provincial government for assistance.
Premier Scott Moe has expressed sympathy for Richmound's plight, acknowledging the community's undeserved hardships. While he indicated that the government could offer support through municipal revenue sharing, he emphasized that the responsibility for resolving the issues lies primarily with the property owner and the municipality. Since the cult's arrival, the province has provided nearly $130,000 through municipal revenue sharing, but the village's financial woes persist.
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Ongoing Challenges and Community Healing
Despite the cult's departure, the scars left on Richmound run deep. The village continues to grapple with the emotional and social fallout. Residents, including Sehn, express concerns about the long-term impact on their community. The division and trauma caused by the cult's activities have left many feeling that true healing remains out of reach.
The Saskatchewan government, through Minister of Government Relations Eric Schmalz, has pledged ongoing support. The province has engaged with Richmound over 60 times since the cult's presence was first reported, and expanded legislation aims to provide communities with better tools to handle similar situations in the future. However, the question of who should bear the cost of cleanup and restoration remains contentious.
As Richmound looks to move forward, the village faces the challenge of rebuilding both its infrastructure and its sense of community. The ordeal has highlighted the vulnerabilities of small communities when faced with unexpected crises. While the provincial government has offered some assistance, the path to recovery will require continued support and resilience from both the residents and their leaders.
