First Nations leaders, Saskatchewan’s premier and the head of the RCMP spoke publicly on the James Smith Cree Nation Thursday as the community began to move forward after a stabbing that left 12 people dead, including two suspected murderers. Community members and officials gathered at the reserve, located about 200 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon. Three tipis flanked the speakers, and a sweat lodge and a ceremonial fire were nearby. Earlier in the afternoon, a four-day manhunt for one of the suspects, Miles Sanderson, had ended with his arrest following a high-speed chase on Highway 11. Shortly afterward, Mr. Sanderson suffered “medical distress,” according to the RCMP. and was pronounced dead at a Saskatoon hospital. His co-accused and his brother, Damien Sanderson, were found dead at the reserve earlier in the week. Both brothers, and nine of the 10 stabbing victims, were First Nations. Many of the speakers at Thursday’s event had been personally affected by the killing and described a community deeply saddened. Community leaders also spoke about the many systemic issues affecting First Nations people and communities in Canada, and the need for systemic change, including creating Indigenous-led policing and justice systems and introducing new mental health resources and addiction counseling. Daryl Burns attended the event to honor his sister, Gloria Burns, a member of the James Smith Cree Nation community response team. She was killed when she responded alone to a call about the stabbings while they were still unfolding Sunday morning. LARS HAGBERG/AFP/Getty Images From left, Chief Bart Tsannie, Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte and Vice Chief Christopher Jobb. LARS HAGBERG/AFP/Getty Images Mr. Burns introduced Skye Sanderson, Damien Sanderson’s wife, to the crowd. “Her husband is accused of killing my sister,” she said. He wrapped his right arm around her shoulder as she covered her eyes and cried. “Our family is here to forgive,” he added. The murders tore apart family ties throughout the small First Nation community. Ms Sanderson’s father, Christian Head, was one of the victims. Among the dead is Earl Burns Sr., whose daughter, Vanessa Burns, was Myles Sanderson’s common-law partner and the mother of his five children. And Miles is a suspect in his brother’s death. At Thursday’s rally, Mr Burns urged the crowd to support Ms Sanderson. “This woman should not have to carry this kind of guilt, shame and responsibility,” Mr Burns said. Friends and family rose and gathered around the weeping widow and husband, pleading with others to offer her understanding. After the murders, Ms. Sanderson sat alone in the community gym, Mr. Burns said. He approached her with a message: “I told her that part of forgiveness is accepting the forgiveness of our community. Our community wants to forgive her. Now it’s up to her to accept that forgiveness from us.” She nodded and wiped away the tears. While Mr. Burns focused on forgiveness, the other speakers addressed issues ranging from parole reform to Indigenous-led policing. Chief Wally Burns of the James Smith Cree Nation urged the community to turn away from drugs and alcohol. “These acts of violence must stop and they must stop now,” Chief Burns said. He wore a headdress as he spoke. “We have to protect our community, fight against drugs and alcohol. We must all be together as a community. As Canadians. As a whole.” Premier Scott Moe expressed condolences and support on behalf of the province. “It’s fair to say that all of Canada is with you,” he told the crowd. “We are all trying to support you and your families.” Many First Nations leaders and some of the victims’ family members thanked the RCMP for their handling of the crisis. RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki told the crowd the force will support the James Smith Cree Nation as it recovers. “We’re going to stand with you to heal this community,” he said, noting the Mounties are increasing Indigenous recruitment in an effort to provide a self-governing police service. “This can never happen again,” he added. Miles Sanderson had an extensive criminal record, according to court documents. Earlier this year, he was granted statutory release from prison after serving two-thirds of his sentence for a string of offences, including domestic violence. Statutory releases are designed to slowly reintroduce federal offenders into society by setting the conditions as they reintegrate. But Mr. Sanderson stopped reporting to his police officer and police put him on a wanted list this spring. With a report by Nancy Macdonald Read also: Opinion: At this devastating time, Canada must support the James Smith Cree Nation Saskatchewan suspect’s case draws new scrutiny on statutory release
