'Something he would have wanted': Sask. community creates memorial project for mass stabbing victim
The village of Weldon has been a little bit darker since the community lost Wes Petterson.
“He was a huge part of the community,” said Weldon resident Chelsey Erickson.
Petterson, 78, was one of 11 victims during Myles Sanderson’s deadly attacks on Sept. 4, 2022 in James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) and Weldon.
Wes Petterson was the last victim of Myles Sanderson during a stabbing spree in rural Saskatchewan in Sept. 2022. (Stacey Hein / CTV News)
“It’s still hard knowing that he’s gone, and how he went. He definitely didn’t deserve it,” Erickson said.
She knew Petterson her whole life, and remembers him as a kind and selfless man.
Erickson is co-director of the “Weldon Playground Project” committee, which plans to build a park in Petterson’s honour.
“He liked to see the kids outside playing, and we know this is something he would have wanted,” she said.
Weldon resident Jeanette Dubois hopes the Wes Petterson Memorial Park will bring new life to the community.
“We need more people to get together and do stuff because that has stopped. The community doesn’t get together anymore like they used to,” she said.
The committee plans to build the park on the field next to the community’s care home, where children currently play.
“We have fun games, but we’re constantly playing them over and over again. I think if we had a playground maybe we’d have more fun, and have different options to explore,” Katie Petire said.
“I’m excited for the park, because then I don’t need to go to Kinistino for a park,” Evander Fearn said.
A rendering of the Wes Petterson Memorial Park plan. (Image Supplied)
The committee needs about $150,000 for the project, but it’s already two-thirds of the way there after a donation from James Smith Cree Nation.
“It’s part of reconciliation … on both parties,” said Gerald Whitehead, a member of JSCN.
“Because both communities felt the tragedy of loss.”
James Smith donated $116,000 to the cause.
“The support we’ve had from everybody, just doing this, has been over the moon and amazing,” said Jamie Petire, committee co-director.
The committee will continue to fundraise through pancake breakfasts and bottle drives, with a goal of holding a grand opening for the park in September.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure after the YouTube series is being developed for TV and film, according to a report by Variety.