Don Cheenanow escaped from custody in Meadow Lake on Monday. (RCMP)

The RCMP is looking for a northern Saskatchewan man who escaped from custody, allegedly with help from fellow prisoners.

Don Curtis Cheenanow, 28, originally from Loon Lake, was en route to court in Meadow Lake Monday afternoon when he made a run for it, the RCMP said.

Cheenanow was being put in a van with other prisoners who created a diversion, allowing Cheenanow to slip away, Cpl. Phil DeGruchy said.

"By the sounds of this, this fellow was talking of this, looking for a way to do it, looking for assistance from his fellow prisoners as well," he said.

Police said they consider Cheenanow a threat to the public and no one should approach him.

Cheenanow had been remanded in custody for a breach of a conditional sentence.

He's described as aboriginal, with brown eyes and dark hair in a ponytail, five feet seven inches tall and about 190 pounds.

When he escaped, Cheenanow was wearing orange coveralls.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Meadow Lake RCMP detachment (306-236-2570) or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.