Sol Mamakwa is sending his thoughts and prayers to the Saskatchewan community and Indigenous families across the country, after this weekend’s senseless attacks in James Smith Cree First Nation and the death of both suspects.
“Today, our hearts and prayers are with all those connected to James Smith Cree Nation in what we now call Saskatchewan, as we struggle with the loss of life to so many and the accompanying community trauma,” said Mamakwa, the Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation critic and Deputy Leader of the NDP.
“We send prayers of healing for those who were senselessly killed and injured physically, spiritually and emotionally by these events. We are also thinking of all the first responders and healthcare workers there, as we continue to pray for those who were wounded and for the lives that were lost on the weekend.”
“In times like these, we remember our teachings and ask for strength from all our relations as we grieve. The Creator reminds us that we are all connected and we share the pain and grief of our relatives in Treaty #6 territory,” added Mamakwa.
Mamakwa’s message came one day prior to the RCMP releasing the names of the 10 people killed over the weekend in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, both northeast of Saskatoon, and two days before the suspect was caught by police. Police say another 18 people were injured in the attacks, with 3 in critical condition.
Police caught 32-year-old suspect Myles Sanderson Wednesday afternoon, who was wanted on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and breaking and entering. He later died in police custody.
His brother, Damien Sanderson, was found dead on Monday near one of the Saskatchewan crime scenes. He is still considered a suspect in the killings. The RCMP is investigating if his brother Myles was the culprit behind his death.