Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the site of the graves of victims of a Saskatchewan First Nation killing on Monday, before meeting with family members privately.
The September 4 stabbing attacks left 11 dead and 18 injured in the James Smith Cree Nation, as well as in the nearby village of Weldon, Saskatchewan, northeast of Saskatoon. The suspect in the attacks, Myles Sanderson, 32, died after being arrested.
The prime minister was also expected to spend part of the day in meetings with community leaders and members. He was to make a public announcement in the afternoon.
Trudeau, accompanied by Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, traveled to St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, where seven of the victims are buried. They were joined by James Smith Cree Nation Chief Wally Burns, Peter Chapman First Nation Chief Robert Head and Chakastaypasin First Nation Chief Calvin Sanderson.
The wind was blowing fresh snow as Mr. Trudeau walked through the cemetery. He placed tobacco and made the sign of the cross on each of the graves. Prime Minister Trudeau also observed a moment of silence after the leaders spoke briefly at the various locations.
Governor General Mary Simon, the first Indigenous person in Canada to hold the title, visited the cemetery of the same church in late September.
The event amplified calls for more Indigenous-led policing, and Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino promised to “work around the clock” to introduce legislation this fall that would declare Indigenous policing as an essential service.
First Nation Cree Chief Wally Burns wants an Indigenous police service and he also said the community needs funding for housing, especially for those who are reluctant to return to where family members have gone. been killed.
Saskatchewan’s Chief Coroner said two public inquiries will be held into the attacks – one which will focus on the 11 deaths and the other on the death of suspect Myles Sanderson after his arrest.