The first anniversary of the largest mass stabbing in Canada’s history is coming up on September 4th, and leading up to that, is the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and James Smith Cree Nation Traditional Health Gathering which began Monday.  There are sweat lodges, traditional healers, motivational speakers, cedar baths, entertainment and activities for youth.

James Smith Cree Nation Chief Wally Burns believes that remembering those who died and telling their stories helps the families and friends who lost loved ones to heal, and it is an ongoing journey.  He emphasizes that it is complex, because it’s rooted in the intergenerational effects of colonialism and residential schools.
He says, “It’s time for us to move forward and to help one another.”  Burns believes healing will come from the traditional ways which includes ceremonies.

The event also includes an official thank you and acknowledgement to all those who helped during and after the tragedy, including the RCMP, STARS, first responders, volunteers, governments and businesses.

Chief Burns says after the tragedy, one of the calls to action was for self-administered policing for First Nations, and now it’s up to the government to pass that Bill.
He says, “I think it’s the right step because, if you take a look at the detachments around our area, they are short staffed. If we train our own people, why can’t we work together?”

Myles Sanderson is believed to have killed 11 people including his brother Damien and injured 17 others on the Cree Nation and in nearby Weldon. There was a four-day search for Sanderson, who was located and then he died in police custody.