Marco Mendicino rises during Question Period, in Ottawa, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022. The minister of public safety says he is to travel to James Smith Cree Nation next week to advance the Liberal government's plans to have First Nations policing recognized as an essential service. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

By The Canadian Press

JAMES SMITH CREE NATION

Mendicino to visit James Smith Cree Nation after of stabbing massacre

Oct 14, 2022 | 12:02 PM

The federal public safety minister has said he is to travel to James Smith Cree Nation next week to advance the Liberal government’s plan to have First Nations policing recognized as an essential service.

Marco Mendicino said policing by Indigenous Peoples for Indigenous Peoples is a crucial part of reconciliation.

He said he has spoken with his provincial counterpart in Saskatchewan, Christine Tell, and Indigenous leaders about the issue.

The minister said steps need to be taken to ensure a tragedy like what occurred in James Smith Cree Nation never happens again.

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

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On Sept. 4, 11 people were killed and 18 others were injured in a stabbing massacre on the First Nation and nearby village of Weldon.

James Smith Chief Wally Burns has since lobbied the federal government to have its own police service, a healing lodge and more support for mental health and addictions.

The federal government has said it would introduce a bill this fall to ensure First Nations can have their own police officers.

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