Question Period Note: James Smith Cree Nation

• Departmental officials and partners continue to be actively engaged with James Smith Cree Nation to mobilize and coordinate immediate supports, which includes mental health counselling, cultural and land-based activities including community ceremony, family gatherings, wake and funeral costs for the victims and support for displaced individuals as a result of this tragic incident.

• ISC is working collaboratively with James Smith Cree Nation leadership and other key First Nations, provincial and federal partners to provide short and long term support to the community.

On September 4, 2022, ten people were attacked and killed on the James Smith Cree Nation and nearby Weldon, Saskatchewan. Another 18 injured were taken to hospital. On September 5, 2022, RCMP confirmed the two suspects were brothers and that one of the suspects was found deceased on the James Smith Cree Nation. The second suspect remained at large and was considered armed and dangerous. He was confirmed in the custody of RCMP on September 8, 2022, where he went into medical distress and later passed in a Saskatoon hospital. As of September 12, 2022, 13 of the injured had been released from hospital and those remaining were in stable condition.

Indigenous Services Canada mobilized support following the tragedy and is committed to supporting James Smith Cree Nation. ISC is committed to providing mental health counselling and transportation costs through Non-Insured Health Benefit; paying funeral costs for victims; supporting displaced individuals, supporting children and youth through Jordan’s Principle; and, assisting with Emergency Operations Centre type functions and security. ISC is also committed to establishing a contingency fund for other needs as they arise.

If pressed on supports to James Smith Cree Nation
• ISC has approved 15 mental health therapists to provide mental health counselling to both individuals and communities.

• ISC has also approved through the Emergency Management Assistance Program, 5 traditional elders to work in collaboration with the mental health therapists.

• ISC has offered funding towards the implementation of a family support navigator to assist community members in navigating the federal and provincial systems to access various health and social services and supports.