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It has been an emotional couple of days for residents of the James Smith Cree Nation after the mass murder over the weekend.
Now many are left without a home after they fled for safety as the situation developed.
Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand is asking for help for those families who are grieving and away from their homes.
“I’m calling on all the friends and families of the Saskatoon Tribal Council if they can donate and support these families,” Arcand said.
It was a stressful situation and a lot of people were concerned about their safety.
“A lot of these families had to flee. They came with the clothes on their back. Some individuals didn’t bring their glasses (or) their medication,” he said, adding some are not sure when they’ll be able to go back.
The families need the basic necessities, like toothpaste, diapers, formula and clothing.
The STC will be accepting monetary donations, although Arcand says the tribal council won’t be able to give tax receipts or have a charitable number because everything happened so quickly and the need is immediate for these families.
Arcand also wants to make sure people are taken care of and he’s offered his full support to James Smith Cree Nation Chief Wally Burns after they spoke.
“I’ve assured Chief Wally Burns that we’ll take care of his people because he’s got enough on his plate right now,” Arcand said.
“We support you and we’ve got your back, James Smith. And at the end of the day, Chief Wally Burns, don’t worry. Saskatoon Tribal Council is behind you 150 per cent.”
There remain a lot of questions and Arcand wants to make sure people are feeling safe.
“Everybody’s in turmoil right now, they’re scared, they don’t know what’s happening (and) they don’t know what’s going to happen to their relatives after this horrific situation,” Arcand said.
He noted around 50 people are in Saskatoon and are anticipating another three families.
Donations are being accepted at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge at 602 20th St. W.