The Chiefs of James Smith Cree Nation, Peter Chapman, and Chakastaypasin are commending the RCMP on their investigation into the mass casualties on September 4th. James Smith Cree Nation Chief Wally Burns thanks the RCMP Major Crimes Unit for providing the preliminary timeline of events to community members ahead of it behind publicized. He says after much contemplation, he knows that James Mith Cree Nation needs its own police force.
He says, “We asked for three officers, and I am still waiting for them. The true answer to overcoming these barriers to safety and protection is self-administered policing on our First Nation.”

Peter Chapman Chief Rober Head says, they have a continuous drug problem on their First Nation so he is requesting that the RCMP be proactive in cracking down on drug dealers. He adds that, “These are the people who are providing meth to our children, our grandchildren, and our youth. At present, we are still grappling with policies that keep the RCMP from providing us with adequate policing and protection on reserve.

Chakastaypasin Chief Calvin Sanderson wants to know how this can be prevented from happening again. He says policies have to change so those involved in drugs and criminal activities can be removed, sent for treatment or provided with a pathway to healing. “We need the ability to direct police and coordinate efforts to eradicate drugs and other problems in our community.”