Two years ago, on September 4, 2022, the James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) and the nearby community of Weldon were rocked by a horrific stabbing incident. Myles Sanderson took the lives of 11 people and injured 17 others, leaving a lasting impact on the community and the province. The tragedy is still fresh in the minds of many, with band chief Robert Head noting that every September 4th is a quiet time as residents remember the people they lost. Due to the incident, there is a heightened sense of security in the community, with many households now ensuring their doors are locked before going to bed.
In response to the tragedy, JSCN is in the early stages of developing a self-administered police service. Justice director Eddie Head believes this initiative is crucial for the safety of its members. The community is working on its due diligence to ensure that members understand the implications of self-administered policing and how it will impact their lives. The goal is to have everything in place within the next three years. Saskatchewan Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman has expressed support for First Nations self-policing and is working with the RCMP, justice ministry, and First Nations partners to make it a reality.
Following multiple inquiries into the stabbings and the recommendations made to prevent such incidents in the future, there is a push for self-policing among First Nations communities. Merriman stated that there are opportunities for self-policing that involve a partnership between the provincial and federal governments, with a 50/50 split in funding. Eddie emphasized that the development of self-policing will involve input from youth, elders, and community members to ensure that the lives lost two years ago are not in vain. The goal is to create a safe community where the well-being of its members is a top priority.
In addition to self-policing efforts, the community has other resources available to support healing and overall well-being. Land-based programs have been implemented to assist with healing, and there are plans for a wellness center to provide mental health supports, grief counseling, and treatment. Chief Kirby Constant highlighted that the community is working on a multifaceted approach to engage community members across all reserves. The wellness center aims to provide long-term healing for generations to come as the community continues to move forward from the tragedy.
Healing from such a traumatic event is a lifelong process, and the community is committed to supporting its residents in their journey toward recovery. The wellness center will play a crucial role in providing ongoing support and resources for individuals to heal and flourish. Constant emphasized the importance of community unity and growth, stating that when individuals thrive together, the entire community benefits. To reflect on the last two years and honor the lives lost, the community will be hosting a powwow. Through initiatives like self-policing, the wellness center, and community engagement, JSCN is working towards creating a safe, supportive, and flourishing community for all its members.
