'Our people are going to be hurt again': James Smith Cree Nation Chief says community is preparing for inquests
CTV
The community of James Smith Cree Nation is focusing on healing now that a timeline has been released on the stabbing spree that left 11 people dead and 17 others injured in September. Leaders have renewed calls for their own police force and hope it will help protect residents.
The community of James Smith Cree Nation is focusing on healing now that a timeline has been released on the stabbing spree that left 11 people dead and 17 others injured in September. Leaders have renewed calls for their own police force and hope it will help protect residents.
Chief of the James Smith band, Wally Burns, said the community is slowly healing, after one of Canada’s worst mass murders.
"We've been having ceremonies, bringing in some people that really need it, elders talking to community members that are requesting help," Burns told CTV News.
RCMP released a preliminary timeline of the events. It said in about three hours Myles Sanderson killed 11 people and injured 17 others on James Smith Cree Nation and in Weldon on September 4th.
Burns said at the time he felt helpless.
"I just broke down and cried and listening to the timeline,: he said. "That did bother me,” he said.
He said since the incident leadership aims to help those with addictions and advocate for independent tribal policing.
