James Smith residents look for healing on anniversary of massacre
With a mix of remembrance and celebration, James Smith Cree Nation is preparing to mark the one-year anniversary of a tragic event that deeply impacted the community.
On Sept. 4, 2022, Myles Sanderson went on a deadly stabbing rampage on the First Nation and the nearby community of Weldon, killing 11 and injuring 17 others.
A year later, the community gathered in memorial of those they lost.
"If you go out there, a lot of our people are happy. People are moving on with their lives. I know it's hard to forget, but we have to," one member of the community expressed.
In a close-knit community like James Smith Cree Nation, the tragedy touched nearly everyone.
Dennis Sanderson reflected on the impact.
"Hailey got away, and my son had to fight. The same way as my nephew fought for his family. War veteran; learned how to fight, and that's how he left me – fighting for his family." Sanderson said, with a mix of pride and sadness.
Hundreds have gathered at the powwow to pay their respects to those who died and celebrate the resilience of those who remain. Herbert Burns lost family in the stabbings.
"The thing is that we've been through a lot in this community. We need anything and everything to help us try and overcome a lot of the feelings that we have," Burns said.
While the community believes it is on the path to healing, there is acknowledgment that more needs to be done. Mike Mirion works for the health centre on the reserve.
"Dealing with the mental health issues in the community, and getting people into the treatment programs that they want to get into, not just individuals but the whole family. So they're involved in the treatment. And I think it'll go a long way," Mirion said, laying out the long road ahead.
The memorial to mark this one-year anniversary is scheduled for Monday, and the community remains united in their efforts to support one another as they remember and heal.
Events began Monday morning with a pipe ceremony on the cultural grounds at James Smith, with a memorial service at St. Stephen's Anglican Church at 11 a.m., followed by a series of community events.
Media are invited to a question and answer session at 12:15 p.m., with Chiefs, elders and Indigenous Services Canada Minister Patty Hajdu, but have otherwise been asked to remain out of the community during the ceremonies and events.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
BREAKING Numerous people shot in Kentucky near Interstate 75, officials say
Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky, according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.