(James Smith Cree Nation) Nearly three months after losing his wife and son in the Saskatchewan shootings, Brian Burns doesn’t want to come home.
Mr. Burns says what he misses most are the little things, like drinking coffee with his wife in the morning.
Since that fateful day, nothing has been the same: the coffee isn’t as good, the jokes aren’t as funny.
“I miss not talking to him anymore and exchanging jokes,” he adds, holding back tears. I made sure to make coffee for her before she left for work. »
In September, 11 people were killed and 18 others injured on James Smith Cree Nation territory and in the nearby village of Weldon, 170 km northeast of Saskatoon.
The 32-year-old suspect, Myles Sanderson, died while in police custody.
Several residences have become crime scenes on the territory of the Cree Nation, which has approximately 1,900 inhabitants. Even after the investigators have left, some families, still devastated by the killings, do not even entertain the idea of returning home.
“The pain persists,” says chef Wally Burns.
The leader that four families, including that of Brian Burns, are reluctant to return to where they used to live. The authorities of the First Nation are trying to find solutions, in particular by installing prefabricated houses. However, the whole thing requires funding from the federal government.
“The government process is slow. “, he laments.
The Department of Indigenous Services did not respond to an interview request.
Brian Burns therefore lost his 48-year-old wife Bonnie and his 28-year-old Gregory. The couple had three other children, including a 14-year-old boy who was stabbed during the attack.
His father says this child is still too upset to want to go home. Today, he wants to burn it down and build a monument and install three crosses in its place.
“When a murder is committed at home, we are supposed to burn the place and rebuild from scratch. I am only respecting the custom that tradition has taught me. »
Brian Burns lives in a hotel in Melfort, about 40 km from the indigenous territory, with his three other sons, the grandmother and a grandson.
“We are tired of hotel life. We are tired of going for ready-made meals. We just can’t wait to cook our meals and have our own home. »
He says he has received great support, which is very important for his family. He has been told that he will be able to move into a prefabricated house ready to welcome him, but he does not know when he will be able to do so.
In the meantime, he hopes to be able to rent accommodation in Melfort, so that his children can spend Christmas at home.
Christmas has always been an important time for his wife. Everyone gathered to share a meal and love, says Mr. Burns. This year, chairs will be empty, but he continues to do his best.
“Bonnie and I were cooking a big meal,” he sobbed. I’ll make sure our boys get a present. I’ll make sure to prepare a turkey. It may take place in a hotel room, but I hope not. »