Darrrel Burns, one of four candidates for Chief at James Smith First Nation, wants to be the person to facilitate change. (Submitted photo/ Darrel Burns)

By Nigel Maxwell

Election season

James Smith Chief candidate focused on community safety and creating better life for youth

Mar 25, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A man who aspires to lead the community of James Smith First Nation, says that following the massive stabbing rampage in 2022 that left 11 people dead and 17 injured, there has been a call for change.

Darrel Burns, one of four people running for chief in this week’s election, told paNOW he was contacted by a number of people who asked him to be the one to facilitate that change.

“I hope people trust me with the task of facilitating change in our community,” he said.

Born and raised in James Smith, Burns has 30 years experience in the addictions field and ran for chief about 10 years ago. He explained that in the last five years, the community has lost a lot of people to addictions issues, violence, suicide, and overdoses

“To me we are reaching an epidemic of addictions,” he said.

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What do you see as the major challenges in the community?

1) Addictions – Burns noted the trauma incurred as a result of the residential schools and 60s scoop, has been passed down through the generations.

“There’s been so much pain and trauma and oppression placed on our people that we’ve begun to live in a state of hopelessness and that’s why so many of our people are turning to addictions,” he said.

Citing a need to change the cycle and turn darkness into sunlight, Burns explained the key is to promote a sense of pride and vision for the young people and give them with a sense of purpose.

He added this can be achieved through providing them with a better chance of accessing post secondary education and skills training. Burns then noted when his grandchild transferred to a school in Melfort, her funding increased by four to five thousand dollars.

“Why can’t the schooling in the reserve receive the same level of funding,” he asking, adding this will also help the quality of education increase.

2) Housing and poverty – Citing an abundance of small one-bedroom houses, Burns said there is chronic overcrowding.

Are there are specific initiatives you would undertake if elected?

1) Address community safety – due to the addictions that exist, Burns said children are afraid when they go to sleep at night and parents are afraid to let their children play outside.

“Our children shouldn’t have to be afraid,” he said.

2) Build a band hall for people to meet and gather

3) Organize minor sports – Noting the positive difference he has witnessed in his own grandchildren, Burns said sports can provide youth with a sense of purpose and instills confidence

4) Bring schools up to par – Burns said this includes either expanding existing schools or building a new school for the high school level students

5) Economic development – Burns noted there is a need to create employment for people

“When you are earning your own money, you have a sense of pride in earning that money and also being able to provide for your family,” he said.

7) Better access to job and skills training

What’s your position on First Nations policing?

Noting he takes trips to Prince Albert five times a week for hockey, Burns said he feels safe when he returns home late at night and sees the community’s security team waiting.

That being said, Burns would like to take it one step further and have a team of First Nations officers who can have the authority to make the arrests when drug dealers come to the community. But he added there is a need to look at the big picture and see what’s going to fit in with the federal and provincial policing.

“And if we’re going to work together it has to be an equal partnership, we have to be looked at as equals,” he said.

Burns went on to explain the reason it has to be Indigenous people policing their people, is that there’s a deep mistrust towards what Burns referred to as two-tiered system that has different rules and consequences for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

“And I don’t think anyone out there with an open mind is going to dispute that fact,” he said.

The election at James Smith has been scheduled for March 28 and voting will occur at Bernard Constant School gym.

Also running for Chief are Kirby Constant, Marcia Burns and the incumbent Wally Burns.

The Headperson candidates are KC Moostoos, Tanya Moostoos, Devin Marion Justin Burns, Alvin G. Moostoos, Loretta E. Burns, Eldeen McKay, Gerald McKay, Byron Daniels, Cassie Constant, Dinah Marion, and Gloria Burns.

James Smith is one of three reserves that make up James Smith Cree Nation. The election at Chakastaypasin is in the fall and Peter Chapman’s is next spring.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell