(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community safety

‘We want everyone to feel safe in their homes’: Muskoday leadership responds to violent incidents

Jan 12, 2022 | 5:00 PM

In just over a month, a number of violent incidents have been tied to Muskoday First Nation, and both community leaders and members are publicly expressing their frustration and the need for solutions.

Of the more serious incidents was a fatal shooting on Christmas Day. The person accused, David Duong, was said to be staying at the reserve with a friend but is not a band member. The victim, Syd Bear, was a cousin of Michelle Vandevord, a captain of the Muskoday Volunteer Fire Department. On Wednesday, she posted a statement on the community’s Facebook page, expressing how mad and hurt she is at what she claims the community is becoming and being known for.

“Why are some band members hiding people like this on our reserve? Why is loyalty to friends more important than the safety of your own families? People are dying and no one feels safe anymore,” she said.

Another incident of note happened on Dec. 8. The victim was shot in the head and the abdomen during a robbery and kidnapping. The suspects made off with the man’s truck, as well as cash and a cell phone.

Also occurring this month was an incident the morning of Dec. 29 just before 1 a.m. Prince Albert RCMP was dispatched to a report of an assault on Muskoday First Nation. One person received injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.

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Then last week, a man wanted on dozens of outstanding charges, was located by police at Muskoday driving a stolen truck. He was later arrested outside a residence in Crystal Springs. Sources have told paNOW the man’s “partner” lives in the community, but he is not from there.

The types of incidents happening in her community are happening in other communities too, said Vandevord as she explained that many of the problems are the result of an addiction issue.

“It’s bad and it’s going to get worse until we have a plan to help people recover and do what’s necessary if help is declined,” she said. “I know how hard that is especially when it’s family…been there and done that. Many of us have. I for one am totally drained, defeated and broken from going to funerals of loved ones.”

According to a statement from Chief and council posted on the same page on Jan. 4, they acknowledge gang and drug-related violence and addictions are hurting the whole community, ripping apart families, and creating fear and trauma.

“No one wants to fear for their child’s life as they go to school or walk down the street, yet that is a daily reality. We all want our Elders to feel safe in their own homes. We want everyone to feel safe in their homes and in their community,” the statement said.

When contacted by paNOW Chief Ava Bear outlined some of the initiatives the community has undertaken to address crime and violence. One of the more immediate steps is a pilot project, in partnership with the federal government and the Whitecap First Nation, for a Community Safety Officer Program. The community aims to have up to five officers working in the community, and the training is scheduled to start at the end of this month. Acknowledging the uniformed officers won’t have the same authority as the RCMP or carry a gun, Bear thinks they can be valuable.

“We really feel having more eyes in the community would really assist with some of the things that are happening,” she said.

The community’s leadership is also working with the Saskatoon Tribal Council to have Tribal Policing in the community, but Bear noted it is a long process. Another option being reviewed is improving the community’s surveillance system with respect to who is entering the community.

A picture taken on Dec. 8 after a band member was shot multiple times. (Submitted)

And while noting her own personal feelings of frustration, anger and fear over what has transpired lately, Bear also acknowledged some of the unrest in the community and the fingers being pointed towards council.

“That’s probably our own fault because we don’t communicate a lot of things that we should communicate as clearly as we should,” she said, adding though with respect to ongoing investigations some details have to be kept confidential.

The statement from leadership also mentions plans to still hold a community meeting, that was postponed in November due to COVID. One of the key items on the agenda is a plan to address the prevalence of illegitimate residents living in housing meant only for membership families.

Bear said a date for the meeting has not yet been set but will take place as soon as COVID allows. She added she would like to see a number of focus groups included in the discussion.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell