FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Indigenous leaders offer support to JSCN in wake of mass stabbing

Sep 4, 2022 | 9:43 PM

Both the Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) are providing statements, following Sunday’s mass stabbing that claimed 10 lives and sent 15 others to hospital.

On behalf of the Chiefs, Senate, and Women’s Commission, FSIN executive offered its sympathies to the families, relatives, and communities of the victims.

“Our hearts break for all those impacted. This is the destruction we face when harmful illegal drugs invade our communities, and we demand all authorities to take direction from the Chiefs and Councils and their membership to create safer and healthier communities for our people,” FSIN Chief Chief Bobby Cameron said. “Together, as a Nation, we mourn with the people of James Smith Cree Nation, and we pray that those who are injured will recover as soon as possible.”

Cameron indicated the FSIN immediately contacted the Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller, and Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu, and that they all expressed their commitment to provide full support to James Smith Cree Nation, Chakastaypasin Band, and Peter Chapman Band.

“We wish that all those affected may find some consolation and strength during this unprecedented time of immense sadness and grief. On behalf of the 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, we pledge our services and support today and into the coming days,” Cameron said.

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In a separate statement, AFN National Chief Roseanne Archibald offered her deepest condolences to the many families affected by the tragedy.

“I’ve been in contact with Chief Wally Burns to ensure that his community’s needs are met under their declared State of Emergency,” she said.

Archibald indicated she had also reached out to Chief Calvin Sanderson and Chief Robert Head.

“I will also be reaching out to Minister Patty Hajdu, Minister Marc Miller, Minister Marco Mendocino and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to ensure that James Smith Cree Nation is supported and looked after during this tragedy.”

As of Sunday night, the two men believed responsible for the stabbings, Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson, had not been located.

Earlier in the afternoon, during a media conference, RCMP said there were 13 separate crime scenes between James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby community of Weldon.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell