Feds providing more than $1M to repair, replace houses on James Smith Cree Nation

The Canadian government is taking another step to help James Smith Cree Nation residents recover from the stabbing rampage in their community in September.

The government is to spend $1.2 million to repair and replace houses that were damaged during the attacks on Sept. 4.

Ten people died on the James Smith Cree Nation and one died in the nearby community of Weldon. Another 18 people were injured.

The suspect, Myles Sanderson, died in police custody following a provincewide manhunt.

Indigenous Services Canada said 16 homes have been cleaned at an expected cost of $203,000. Another $750,000 will be used to replace, repair and restore damaged homes, while an additional $200,000 was provided to replace furniture. The department said in an email to The Canadian Press that funds also were set aside for a housing co-ordinator.

On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the First Nation to pay his respects to the victims and to visit with family members and community leaders.

Trudeau also announced more than $45 million in support for the community, including $42.5 million over six years to build a new wellness centre on James Smith Cree Nation and to repurpose the existing lodge.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, there’s also $4.5 million “to support the healing, mental health, and well-being of community members impacted by the tragic events of September, and to support Indigenous-led approaches to community safety.”

Trudeau also announced $20 million over four years to top up the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative for all First Nations across Canada. That program will look to implement the Federal Pathway and end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

“I’m so humbled to be here, to listen (and) also to offer resources and support on behalf of the Government of Canada and, quite frankly, on behalf of all Canadians who were just heartbroken as all of you were by what happened in September,” Trudeau said after visiting the gravesites of some of the victims.

“Of course, the healing process will take a long time and what I wanted to really say is that we will be there as partners to all of you as you move forward.”

— With files from The Canadian Press