What we know about the Saskatchewan communities devastated by mass stabbings
Weldon and the James Smith Cree Nation are collectively home to a few thousand people
WARNING: This story contains distressing details.
The two Saskatchewan communities where 10 people were fatally stabbed on Sunday are small, tight-knit and relatively rural.
The James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Sask., are about 20 kilometres apart, and around 60 kilometres from the nearest city — Prince Albert, Sask. The injury toll had risen to at least 18 on Monday evening.
One of the two brothers accused of first-degree murder and other crimes from the attacks, Damien Sanderson, 31, was found dead with wounds that did not appear to be self-inflicted, Saskatchewan RCMP said Monday evening.
Police are still looking for 32-year-old Myles Sanderson who is also charged with first-degree murder and other offences.
The deadly attacks have shaken the area, shattering lives and families in the two communities.
James Smith Cree Nation
About 1,900 people live near the North Saskatchewan River on the James Smith Cree Nation, according to its website. The First Nation has about 3,400 members, including those who live off the reserve.
It's named after Chief James Smith who signed Treaty No. 6 on behalf of the First Nation in 1876. According to the Indigenous Saskatchewan Encyclopedia, it features a band office, community school, fire hall and arena.
Historically, the community had been used a gathering place for many different First Nations, according to its website, and later it become a post used by fur traders as a gateway to Western Canada. The original language spoken in the community is Cree.
"James Smith Cree Nation lands are situated on the south and north side of the Saskatchewan River," according to the First Nation. "On the south side there are fertile lands for farming and the north side of the river there are forestry lands for hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering."
Today, much of the community's land, about 15,000 hectares, is used for agriculture, ranching and leasing.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, visited the community in April to hear stories from Indigenous survivors of residential schools.
Officials in James Smith Cree Nation have asked for space and privacy in the aftermath of the attacks.
But for anyone wanting to help, Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald passed along a request for donations of food, disposable plates and cutlery. The request also said that gift cards, cash or cheques would be greatly appreciated.
For those who asked about making donations to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JamesSmithCreeNation?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JamesSmithCreeNation</a>. Please see request below: <a href="https://t.co/3c0ahMhaqG">pic.twitter.com/3c0ahMhaqG</a>
—@ChiefRoseAnneWeldon
The village of Weldon, Sask., is home to about 200 people, including many seniors. The village still has a distinctive grain elevator, a disappearing sight on the Prairie landscape.
Reporting from the village in the province's northeast, CBC journalist Devin Heroux described it as "quiet and quaint." The village has 93 private dwellings, according to the latest census, and a majority of residents own their own homes. The median income for a family in Weldon in 2015 was $46,720.
Weldon marks the midway point between Prince Albert and Melfort. Many residents have Norwegian heritage.
Support is available for anyone affected by the latest reports. The Hope for Wellness hotline offers immediate help to people across Canada.
Mental health counselling and crisis support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
Corrections
- A previous version of this story said Weldon, Sask., is at the midway point between Saskatoon and Melfort. In fact, Weldon is halfway between Prince Albert and Melfort.Sep 05, 2022 9:29 PM ET
With files from The Canadian Press