'Shocked and devastated': Reaction to stabbing rampage at First Nation, village in Saskatchewan

A stabbing rampage on a Saskatchewan First Nation and in a nearby village left 10 people dead and at least 18 others injured, provincial RCMP said Sunday as officers continued to search for two suspects.

"We believe some of the victims have been targeted by the suspects and others have been attacked randomly," Rhonda Blackmore, the assistant commissioner in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP, told reporters in Regina.

"It is horrific what has occurred in our province today."

Blackmore said the 18 injured were taken to hospital but there may be more who sought medical help on their own.

The attacks took place at 13 different locations on the James Smith Cree Nation and nearby Weldon, northeast of Saskatoon, she said.

Here is some of the reaction:

"They were our relatives, friends. Mostly we're all related here, so it's pretty hard. It's pretty horrific." -- Chakastaypasin Chief Calvin Sanderson.

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"My mind is somewhere else. It's a shock. No one in this town is ever going to sleep again. They're going to be terrified to open their door, answer their door." -- Weldon, Sask., resident Ruby Works.

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"There are no words to adequately describe the pain and loss caused by this senseless violence. All of Saskatchewan grieves with the victims and their families." -- Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.

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"I am shocked and devastated by the horrific attacks today in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Saskatchewan, that claimed the lives of 10 people and injured many more.

"As Canadians, we mourn with everyone affected by this tragic violence, and with the people of Saskatchewan. We also wish a full and quick recovery to those injured." -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

 

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"I am filled with sadness for the survivors, families and friends who have lost loved ones from these communities. These are devastating losses that words cannot even come close to describing.

"We are thinking of you today and for the weeks to come. Canadians today mourn with you and wish you courage during these difficult times." -- Gov. Gen. Mary Simon

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"On behalf of the Chiefs, Senate, and Women's Commission, FSIN extends its sympathies to the families, relatives, and communities of the victims whose lives were taken during today's senseless acts of violence in the tri-communities of James Smith Cree Nation.

"The FSIN Executive sends our deepest condolences and offers a message of solidarity with the people of James Smith Cree Nation after the unspeakable violence that claimed the lives of innocent people. Our hearts break for all those impacted." -- Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations.

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"The tragedy that has unfolded in James Smith Cree Nation and surrounding areas is absolutely devastating. My deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, as well as to the injured and their families.

"I've reached out to the leadership (of the) James Smith Cree Nation to offer Canada's full support and any assistance that will be needed in the coming days." -- Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller.

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"I've been in contact w/ Chief Wally Burns to ensure that his community's needs are met under their declared .StateOfEmergency

"I've also reached out to Minister @marcomendicino and Chief Calvin Sanderson and Chief Robert Head. Please keep all leadership and families in your prayers." -- Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald.

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"My heart is with the people of James Smith Cree Nation, Weldon, Regina & all Saskatchewanians who have been impacted by the horrific stabbings today. I am keeping you all in my thoughts tonight. Please be alert and continue to follow the advice of @RCMPSK." -- Justice Minister David Lametti.

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"We are grateful for all the first responders on the ground working hard to keep us safe and the health care workers treating those hurt.

"We are all devastated to hear of the acts of senseless violence committed in our province and our thoughts are with all those who are grieving. Our team, and our entire province, grieves with you." -- Saskatchewan Roughriders Canadian Football League team.

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"The brutality and apparent randomness of these attacks have shocked the entire country. Albertans stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends in Saskatchewan in their grief. My heart also goes out to the people of the James Smith Cree Nation and to First Nations communities across Canada who feel the anger and sorrow of this tragedy in a deeper and far more personal way." -- Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.

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"The attacks at James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Saskatchewan are truly heart-breaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of these horrific acts and all those that have lost loved ones. Catherine and I send our best wishes to the people of Canada. W." --  Prince William and Kate Middleton, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2022.