JAMES SMITH CREE NATION –
The chief of a Saskatchewan First Nation devastated by a deadly string of stabbings says the acts of violence must stop.
Chief Wally Burns of the James Smith Cree Nation spoke alongside other First Nations leaders this morning, one day after RCMP arrested a suspect.
Burns says words cannot express the impact of what happened and many families who have lost loved ones need support.
The main suspect in the attack, which killed 10 people and injured 18, died in police custody after a four-day manhunt.
RCMP say Myles Sanderson suffered a medical condition shortly after being chased in a stolen vehicle and arrested in a ditch next to a highway north of Saskatoon.
The only other suspect, Sanderson’s brother Damien, was found dead Monday and RCMP say a motive behind the killings may never be truly known.
Indigenous leaders are joined by the RCMP and some federal cabinet ministers, including Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.
The First Nation gathered for the first wake since the attacks Wednesday night as community members braced for more in the coming days.
Three tipis are placed behind the James Smith Cree Nation School. They were put up after the knife attacks so people could have a ceremony, find healing and honor those who lost their lives.
As community members gathered for Thursday’s speeches behind the school, many hugged and shook hands. Many of the women wore native skirts with ribbons.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 9, 2022.
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