By Juliet Kadzviti

P.A. holds moving vigil for La Loche shooting victims

Jan 28, 2016 | 5:52 AM

City hall came to a peaceful standstill when Prince Albert residents took a moment to mourn the victims of the La Loche shooting.

A candle-light vigil was held Wednesday night, Jan. 27, in support of La Loche.

Community members quietly gathered outside before each getting a candle. The supportive group then formed a circle, in which Dene Nation elder, Jimmy Montgrand, addressed them.

“I want to thank you on behalf of the families of La Loche and the surrounding communities,” he said, to the sizeable crowd.

Montgrand said tragedies like this can be prevented if the community takes more measures to support those who need help, especially children.

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“(If we don’t) teach our children the value of life and give them encouragement to learn to love and be happy, we will run into more of this,” he said.

He concluded his moving address with a prayer and encouraged residents to give respects in their own way.

Attendee Joyce Montgrand, whose father is from La Loche, said she appreciated the support from Prince Albert residents. Her family members, many of whom are still in La Loche, are coping with the tragedy.

“The family are getting together and it’s good to see the community holding together. Their doing a lot of praying and stuff like that, that’s really good to see, because that’s the answer to any situation we face in life,” she said.

Elder Montgrand was glad people were able to come out and pay their respects. 

“I’m very happy, very proud of the amount of support we have here, and all the families at home, we appreciate it and I’m sure they do,” he said.

Many attendees ended the night by signing a card for the people of La Loche, before heading home.

Last Friday, Jan. 22, four people were killed in shootings at a residence and the Dene High School in La Loche.

jkadzviti@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @princealbertnow