Flags outside the Northern Lights School Division main office have been lowered. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

respect

Flags lowered in tri-communities to honour victims of stabbing rampage

Sep 7, 2022 | 3:32 PM

Flags in the tri-communities are at half mast to show respect to the victims of this past weekend’s stabbings.

Flags have been lowered at both the Air Ronge and La Ronge municipal offices, as well as at Northlands College and Northern Lights School Division. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) has also lowered the flags in front of the main office.

“On behalf of the chief, council, and membership of the LLRIB, we offer our heartfelt condolence to the community of James Smith Cree Nation, Chakastaypasin Band, and the Peter Chapman Band, following the critical incident and mass casualties on Sept. 4,” a public release from chief Tammy Cook-Searson states.

“We send our deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Our prayers and wishes for peace, comfort, and courage go out especially to all the victims, survivors, and families of the community.”

La Ronge deputy-mayor Viviana Ruiz-Arcand also released a statement expressing condolences to the James Smith Cree Nation and Village of Weldon. She noted La Ronge will be lowering all flags to half mast as a symbol of support, condolence, and respect to those injured, deceased, and impacted by the tragedy.

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Air Ronge mayor Julie Baschuk called for residents to stay safe, remain vigilant, and contact authorities should they have any information on the suspects or crimes. She added Air Ronge sends condolences to all those impacted by the absolutely senseless tragedies in the James Smith Cree Nation, Weldon, Spiritwood, Brittania, Lloydminister, Witchekan Lake First Nation, Maidstone, and Witchekan.

Administration has decided to postpone Northlands College Cultural Days planned for Sept. 9 and 10 out of respect to the victims. A statement issued by the college mentioned flags will be at half mast for 10 days to honour each of the lives lost.

Flags have been lowed outside the Air Ronge municipal office. (Facebook/Julie Baschuk)

“The days, weeks, and months ahead will be difficult, and we all need to support one another to get through this extremely challenging time,” the statement included.

Staff at Northern Lights School Division will be available to support any students who need support processing the news of the events. With a suspect still at large, staff will be hyper-vigilant in maintaining the safety of students, teachers, and school staff.

“As we prepare to welcome students back to the classroom after this Labour Day weekend, we do it with heavy hearts,” the release from director of education Jason Young states. “All of Saskatchewan is mourning the loss of the lives that were taken the past weekend during unthinkable and vicious attacks.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno