For the first time in a decade, Dene High School in La Loche will be open on the anniversary of the deadly school shooting that took four lives and injured seven others. (Dene High School/Facebook)

By larongeNOW Staff

Focus on mental health and wellness

‘Together we are strong’: La Loche community marks 10 year anniversary of deadly school shootings

Jan 22, 2026 | 11:04 AM

January 22, 2016. It’s a sombre anniversary that has quietly passed in the community of La Loche until today.

Northern Lights School Division (NLSD), students and the community are gathering at Dene High School for a day of remembrance and to reflect on how far the Northern Village has come since the tragic school shooting a decade ago that left four people dead and several others injured.

“To support healing, for the past 10 years the school has been closed for the day on Jan.22, but going forward the doors will be open for a day of service as part of their instructional day,” said NLSD Director of Education Jason Young.

“Staff and students wish to use this day to recognize those who have contributed positively to the school and celebrate La Loche as a community,” said Young.

Police outside the Dene High School building in La Loche, Sask. following a shooting in January 2016. (File photo/CKOM)

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Randan Dakota Fontaine was two weeks shy of turning 18 when he first killed two of his cousins at a home in La Loche on that day in 2016. He then went to the school and opened fire, killing a teacher and a teacher’s aide, and wounded seven other staff and students. He was eventually sentenced as an adult to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years.

In the time that followed the tragedy, the NLSD and community organizations formed a multi-agency committee dedicated to creating and implementing a long-term wellness plan in La Loche – one that allowed students to reconnect with land, their culture, their families and themselves.

“We are very proud of the partnerships we have developed over the last ten years in support of the school and community,” said Joey McCallum, Board Chair for Northern Lights School Division.

From top left: Teacher assistant Marie Janvier and teacher Adam Wood were killed at the high school. Brothers Dayne and Drayden Fontaine were found dead in a nearby home. (File photo/paNOW)

At the school division level, staff are now trained to deliver Violent Threat Risk Assessment Training. The high school has a wellness space that includes an area for counsellors, a calming room and massage chairs. A wellness coordinator and two counsellors were hired to develop the Dene High Holistic Wellness Plan. Among many other initiatives, the high school has put a strong emphasis on celebrating language and culture through outdoor learning and traditional resources like sweat lodges. Elders also have offices in the school.

larongeNOW reporter Derek Cornet is in La Loche for the 10 Year Day of Remembrance service, which will include a moment of silence at the high school, a video presentation, and speeches.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com