SASKATCHEWAN – In just hours, the James Smith Cree Nation went from being a First Nations reserve in Saskatchewan, Canada, to being the subject of headlines around the world. Over the weekend ten people were killed and at least 18 were injured following a series of stabbings carried out by two brothers.
As police continue to provide updates about the suspects – with one already pronounced dead – scholars such as Ken Coates are sounding the alarm, reminding Canadians that they cannot characterize this moment simply as “Indigenous dysfunction”. Many are also reminding us that it’s up to people across the country to support this community.
“It’s hard watching friends grapple with the loss of mentors and loved ones on James Smith Cree Nation but it makes things harder knowing this will undoubtedly bring racists out of the woodwork at a time when Indigenous people across Turtle Island are grieving,” tweeted Aylan Couchie, a Nishnaabekwe interdisciplinary artist.
“I can’t even cry over the horror of what happened on the James Smith Cree Nation because of the racist trolls. I feel so much anger at the racist trolls across social media who’ve been attacking Indigenous people since the massacre yesterday. I’m starting to feel sick,” wrote Christian Big Eagle.
Rallying to Help the Community
Already, people are organizing donations of food, cups and plates for James Smith Cree Nation.
“At the request of the James Smith Cree Nation, Peter Chapman and Chakastaypasin Chiefs and Councils, donations of food, styrofoam plates, bowls or cups, and cutlery can be dropped off at the Bernard Constant Community School (B.C.C.S.) Gymnasium. Please refrain from the use of E-transfers, instead feel free to bring gift cards or monetary donations to the command centre which will be in the B.C.C.S. round room. Cheques can be made out to James Smith Cree Nation as well.
We will keep a log of all donations being made.
Any and all donations are greatly appreciated at this time of need,” reads a release from RoseAnne Archibald, AFN National Chief.
Worldwide many people are rallying together to raise money to help with funeral costs and counselling to assist the families of victims. A GoFundMe was started for those affected by the tragedy on James Smith Cree Nation that surpassed its goal of $100,000.
Now the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, has said on Twitter that they have not endorsed any other crowdfunding and are currently setting up a trust fund.
While some organizations across Canada are offering services like counselling to Indigenous communities impacted by this tragedy.
Just last year, a mass shooting in the same reserve left two people dead. But as more information surrounding this recent tragedy continues to surface, more people are raising questions about the lack of mental health resources, access to medication, proper food and housing in Indigenous communities.
