Many Richmound residents upset as self-proclaimed 'Queen of Canada' settles in

Residents of Richmound, Sask., are concerned that a cult is setting up a presence in their village.

The leader, “Queen Romana Didulo,” claims to be the rightful queen of Canada, promises people their bills will forgiven and asks for money as she travels in motorhomes and buses to meet online followers across the country.

Groups that investigate hate crimes say she has capitalized on “Q-Anon” style tactics and has called for violence against health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week she and her followers were escorted by RCMP out of Kamsack, Sask., near the Manitoba border, after residents there protested the presence of the group.

On Monday, residents of Richmound, 100 kms northeast of Medicine Hat, reported that distinctive vehicles were in the village and a number of people were setting up fencing around the village’s former school.

Several residents of the village of 188 people told the News on Tuesday they are very concerned about the group.

“This is one hour away from Medicine Hat, and I’m not happy,” said one longtime resident, who the Medicine Hat News is not identifying. “We don’t need nut jobs like this in the area. People are (very mad).”

Media outlets in Saskatchewan first reported the encampment Monday, stating RCMP were monitoring the situation, but the vehicles were on private property.

The group gained national attention last August while protesting outside a police station in Peterborough, Ont., and several people were arrested for attempting to themselves “arrest” members of that city’s police force.

Did you know that up to 50% of pregnancies are unintended? Did you know there is no known safe amount of alcohol use in pregnancy?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and is one of the leading causes of neurodevelopmental disability in Canada. It is a lifelong disability impacting 4% of Canadians.

FASD leads to unique challenges and strengths in individuals, but stigma and lack of understanding intensify their struggles, affecting school, family, work, health, and living conditions. Early diagnosis, continual support, and reduced stigma contribute to healthier communities.

September 9, International FASD Awareness Day, recognized since 1999, goes beyond a single day, uniting people globally to raise awareness about FASD prevention, diagnosis, and support.

On this day, the call is extended to communities, organizations, and policymakers to join efforts in creating a society that comprehends the prevention of FASD, its diagnosis, and support. Together, we can make a difference in supporting healthy pregnancies and FASD prevention.

Here are some ways you can participate and show your support:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about FASD, its causes, and its impacts on individuals, families, and

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• Organize and Support Local Alcohol-Free Events: Host local events such as FASD awareness

• walks, health fairs, webinars, or workshops to educate the community and promote FASD

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The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is a non-profit organization committed to reducing the occurrence of disabling conditions in children. The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute urges communities throughout the province to come together for FASD Awareness Day, to shed light on FASD, challenge stigma, and create a supportive environment for expecting mothers.

For more information, please contact Donna Anderson at the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute. Phone: 306-6514300 www.skprevention.ca

Alberta Newspaper Group photos RICHMOUND PROTEST: The protest against Romana Didulo who has moved into the community. She has proclaimed herself to be the Queen of Canada and has many followers. She is a prominent figure of the QAnon movement and is a strong believer that all vaccines be destroyed. She and her followers were recently in Kamsack Sask. but moved on. Top:, she is believed to be in the former Richmound School, now private property. As the protest drove by, they were video recorded by people on the ground and the roof of the building which was clearly marked with no tresspassing signs; Middle: the protest finished their first lap of the community and then continued to circle the school for hours; bottom: the driving protest feature a lot of noise makers and signs.