Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, with the leadership of James Smith Cree Nation. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Special Visit

Governor General of Canada visits James Smith Cree Nation after mass stabbing

Sep 28, 2022 | 5:21 PM

The Governor General of Canada made a stop in James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) to pay respects to the victims of the mass stabbing attack earlier this month.

Mary Simon was joined by the leadership of the First Nation on Wednesday as she visited the graves of the people who lost their lives.

“You hear it on the news, you hear about the things that are happening, but it’s never quite the same if you’re not talking face-to-face with people that are being affected by a horrendous event,” she said.

Simon spent time at each grave, saying a prayer for each of the victims. She also visited a memorial for Earl Burns, a veteran who was among those who died.

Simon explained the entire process was a difficult one.

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“There are many different feelings, but mostly it’s great sadness,” she said.

Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, hugging a member of the James Smith Cree Nation. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

She also got the chance to meet with others in the community who were impacted and took part in a ceremony at the community’s school. Multiple dance groups performed in the school’s gym with Simon joining for a little jigging of her own.

During the day, Chief Calvin Sanderson, Chakastaypasin Band, took a couple of minutes to speak with reporters. He mentioned that the community continues to struggle.

“Everybody was impacted, I was impacted, my wife was impacted, we lost loved ones – our relatives.”

He also noted it meant a lot to the whole community for her to take time out of her busy schedule to meet with them.

“I’m privileged for her to come and see our community firsthand,” he said. “It’s really unique to have the Governor General come to your own First Nation.”

Chief Calvin Sanderson speaking with reporters. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

One of the bigger talking points during Simon’s visit was mental health.

This includes a healing lodge or mental wellness institute. This could be a place where the community can hold funerals and wakes, meet as a community, and help those struggling with addiction.

This was an idea Simon supported.

“I definitely support whatever the community needs and whatever they want to come out of a very difficult period so they can move forward.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow