Members of James Smith community to gather, reflect with powwow event

It is a somber anniversary for the people of James Smith Cree Nation, and the community plans to gather to reflect with a powwow event this Friday.

Mike Marion, the Health Director at JSCN said the community is still very much “in the healing process” after losing 11 members in the 2022 fatal attack. Seventeen others were injured.

Marion, who lost family in the massacre said he is driven to help others and better the community. Various recommendations have come from band members, coroner’s inquests, an RCMP internal review and the Saskatchewan government. Marion said work continues to move forward with a planned wellness centre on the nation, with an architectural firm secured and input received from many members as to what they would like to see included in the plans.

“Lots of work has been done over the last couple of years and it’s ongoing,” he said. “Everybody has input.”

Marion said many in the community have asked for the wellness centre to include accessibility for drug and alcohol treatment, with detox and after-care to be included in the nation. He noted many who are seeking the treatment do not want to leave their families on the nation for bigger centres.

“I think that would benefit a lot of the members,” Marion said, adding construction is anticipated for next spring.

Leadership from Prince Albert Grand Council and JSCN with Minister Patty Hajdu. (Submitted/ Lisa Risom)

On the two year anniversary, Chief Kirby Constant also provided a statement and explained the community continues to navigate a path of healing, with each person finding their way in their own time.

“The events of that day have left a lasting impact on all of us, and the sense of loss remains deeply felt,” he said.

In addition to the initiatives mentioned by Marion, Constant also confirmed plans to enhance the community’s safety and support networks through the installation of new street signs and house numbers; the presence of security guards, and a planned transition to self-administered policing.

“We are also working closely with the parole board and have created a new position — a reintegration worker, in partnership with Correctional Services Canada, to assist those leaving federal prisons, with the intention of expanding this support to provincial offenders as well,” he said.

The powwow event is set to begin this Friday with a grand entry scheduled on Friday night. Dancers from neighbouring communities and those on the powwow trail will travel to JSCN. A fish fry is expected Saturday night. Marion says he expects a crowd of roughly 2,000.

The community also plans to recognize the efforts of the RCMP, especially Const. Heidi Marshall, for their role in arresting the perpetrator of the crime.