28-year-old arrested for murder, criminal negligence in death of Sask. First Nation woman

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
28-year-old arrested for murder, criminal negligence in death of Sask. First Nation woman

A Regina man is facing a second-degree murder charge for his involvement in the death of a Piapot First Nation woman.

Around 4:30 a.m. on April 22, Punnichy RCMP received a report of an injured woman at a residence in Punnichy, Sask.

Officers immediately responded and located the woman, who was later declared deceased by STARS at the scene.

She has been identified as 31-year-old Kihaw Fox.

Shortly after, Punnichy RCMP arrested a man on George Gordon First Nation in connection to Fox’s death.

As a result of investigation by Punnichy RCMP and Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime, Ethan Sunshine is charged with second degree murder, criminal negligence causing death, reckless discharge of a firearm, pointing a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

Ethan Sunshine appeared in court in Punnichy on April 25.

Independent review into Prince Albert Police Service being considered for public release

Bailey Sutherland
-
0
Independent review into Prince Albert Police Service being considered for public release

The administrative operational review into the Prince Albert Police Service is now completed, and is currently being considered for public release, says the province.

The Ministry of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety is undergoing discussions with the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners to decide whether releasing the report and its recommendations would be in everyone’s best interests.

“I want to have that cooperation from the Board of Police Commissioners in releasing the report,” said Minister Christine Tell, adding that the decision is under active consideration.

Former Edmonton police Chief Rod Knecht was previously appointed by the province to conduct an independent review of the Prince Albert Police Service to “get to the root of the challenges being faced” in the city.

Knecht talked with members of the police service and any other parties that were interested during his review, said Tell.

She couldn’t say what specifically caused the province to prompt the review, but noted there were a “number of incidents” that were brought to their attention.

The Prince Albert Police Service came under scrutiny recently for their handling of several high-profile cases, including the February 2022 death of 13-month-old Tanner Brass, the police shooting of John Gardiner in January, and Boden Umpherville’s arrest on April 1 that left him critically injured.

Umpherville was taken off life support by family several weeks later.

“All of these incidents that involve bodily harm or serious grievous bodily harm, it doesn’t matter who or who’s involved, it’s always concerning,” said Tell. “It is concerning to the people of Prince Albert and its concerning to the Government of Saskatchewan.”

Though all these incidents involve members of the Indigenous community, Tell said she has no concerns over racial profiling by Prince Albert police.

“When you have a number of people dying in custody and probably higher than what we have seen in other municipalities, than of course my radar goes up and our radar goes up,” she said. “That doesn’t mean there was anything wrong, but there’s a higher number than what has previously been experienced in other municipalities.”

According to Tell, a decision to release the report will made be made in the coming weeks.

Long, hot Saskatchewan summer could increase wildfire risk, says Public Safety

Bailey Sutherland
-
0
Long, hot Saskatchewan summer could increase wildfire risk, says Public Safety

With an average to above-average risk of wildfires expected across the province this summer, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is asking Saskatchewan residents to remain cautious and practice fire safety.

During a technical briefing on Monday morning, the SPSA said Saskatchewan is currently experiencing a slow start to wildfire season, thanks to cool spring temperatures that help mitigate the risk of fires, but weather models are predicting a long and hot summer to follow.

“The above-normal conditions mean the province could experience an average to above-average fire season,” said SPSA President Marlo Pritchard.

Wildfires that start this early are typically human-caused, which can spread “fairly quickly”. The remainder of fires are sparked by lightning, something that the province doesn’t normally experience at this time of year, added Pritchard.

“We urge everyone to take extra fire precautions during the spring and early summer months,” he said.

Anyone planning a controlled burn is asked to contact the SPSA or check their website for information on fire bans.

There are currently 13 active wildfires across the province that were caused by people, with only one considered uncontained. Most of the fires are less than two hectares in size, said the agency.

So far, four regions, including Duck Lake, have declared a fire ban.

According to the SPSA, around 90 per cent of their seasonal staff have already completed training and are ready to tackle this year’s fire season.

‘I want her death to mean something’; brother of mass stabbing victim says change needs to happen

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
‘I want her death to mean something’; brother of mass stabbing victim says change needs to happen

Following the release of a timeline marking the movements of Myles Sanderson’s homicidal attack on the communities of James Smith Cree Nation and nearby village of Weldon, Darryl Burns holds out hope that what happened the morning of Sept. 4, 2022, is enough to evoke change in Canada so that it never happens again.

“I hope my sister’s death hasn’t just been an empty one, I want her death to mean something,” said Darryl. “I want her death to have some sort of a teaching or lesson for not only our family, but all the Indigenous communities across Canada.”

Darryl’s sister Gloria Burns, 61, worked alongside him on the James Smith Cree Nation Crisis Management Team as a first responder when the stabbings unfolded in the early morning hours of September 4.

Gloria was killed while responding to a call for help from her friend Bonnie Burns, who also died along with her son Gregory Burns.

His sister’s bravery that day doesn’t come as a surprise to Darryl.

“For her to answer a call that morning and go to her friend’s aid was natural for her. That’s just the way she was,” said Darryl. “I’m very proud of my sister for what she’s done and the way she acted that morning. I know in my heart that she’s a hero [and] she did what she needed to do that day.”

Authorities revealed that in the days leading up to the murders, Myles and Damien Sanderson travelled around James Smith Cree Nation dealing drugs to community members. Both brothers reportedly had a history of substance abuse.

“My sister and Myles had something in common, and so did the rest of the victims here; we were all a victim of drugs and addictions,” said Darryl. “If you go behind the addictions and look at all the trauma that we’ve suffered, we all have that in common. We have to start dealing with the trauma, we have to start looking at the truth of this and we all have to take responsibility.”

He said that change needs to begin by teaching First Nations youth to be proud of themselves and their culture.

“They are strong, resilient people and they have a lot to be proud of,” said Darryl. “Hopefully if we start to be proud of ourselves, we never have people growing up and having the same issues as Myles and Damien.”

In a statement on Thursday following the Saskatchewan RCMP’s presentation, Chakastaypasin Chief Calvin Sanderson and Peter Chapman Band Chief Robert Head both said the James Smith Cree Nation community is struggling with drug problems.

“Many people are plagued by addictions in the aftermath of the tragedy,” said Calvin. “As leadership, we are working to answer the cries of our people for help, but the policies have to change so those involved in drugs and criminal activities can be removed, sent for treatment or provided with a pathway to healing.”

The sentiment was echoed by Robert, who also asked that the RCMP be proactive in cracking down on drug dealers that operate out of the community.

The Saskatchewan Coroners Service has scheduled two inquests for early 2024. One will look into the 11 homicides that occurred in James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby village of Weldon, and another will examine the death of Myles Sanderson.

“The purpose of the inquest is to advise the public of the circumstances of the events and really, to come up with some recommendations that will hopefully supersede so this wouldn’t happen again into the future,” explained Chief Coroner Clive Weighill.

The Parole Board of Canada, Corrections, RCMP, Saskatchewan’s forensic pathologist who conducted the medical exams will all give testimony, as will any other witness the inquest counsel deems appropriate.

Darryl said the people of James Smith Cree Nation need to be prepared for what could be revealed during the inquests.

“It’s not going to be good and there’s going to be a lot of negative emotions coming out of that,” said Darryl. “I’m afraid that if that information comes out and it’s not handled in a good way and we’re not prepared for that day, it could divide our community even more.”

According to Weighhill, the initial part of the coroner’s inquest is set to begin in Melfort on January 15, 2024, and is expected to take between two to three weeks.

Construction of new Elder’s Lodges set to begin in May

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Construction of new Elder’s Lodges set to begin in May

The Prince Albert Community Housing Society Inc. (PACHSI) has teamed up with the federal, provincial and municipal governments to provide vulnerable elders with secure, affordable housing in Prince Albert.

Prince Albert MLAs Alana Ross and Joe Hargrave, City of Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne, PACHSI General Manager Linda Boyer along with various PACHSI staff officially celebrated the beginning of construction for two new Elder’s Lodges during a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday.

Boyer said through the PACHSI application process, they identified a need for more affordable and accessible senior housing in Prince Albert.

“Because of the funding we receive, we’re able to keep the rents very low for Indigenous elders who, through staying home and raising family or for whatever reason, have a low amount of CPP,” explained Boyer. “It’s very hard to live on your old age security without the CPP and other funding.”

The project was made possible by a $3.1 million investment by the governments of Canada, Saskatchewan and Prince Albert, and includes two one-story buildings on Seventh Street East and 20th Street East that will house both singles and couples.

One building will consist of a six-plex with three two-bedrooms and three one-bedroom apartments, and the second building will consist of a five-plex with two two-bedroom and three one-bedroom apartments, for a total of 11 new homes.

Each building also contains a fully accessible suite for wheelchair users.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support this project that allows people to live independently in their community,” said Ross. “Our government will continue to work with partners to meet our commitment to improve housing affordability and better support people and families in greatest housing need.”

According to the province, elders living in the units will be supported by PACHSI housing coordinators and housing support workers and will be connected to NCC Family Services, Métis locals and the health region.

The lodges will also provide opportunities for the elders to socialize, get assistance with home keeping and access meals on wheels.

Construction will start in May and is expected to be finished by the spring of 2024, said Boyer.

RCMP release timeline of James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon spree killings

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
RCMP release timeline of James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon spree killings

The Saskatchewan RCMP have released a preliminary timeline of events that led up to the mass stabbing massacre in James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby village of Weldon that left 11 people dead and 17 injured in September of 2022, and the four-day long manhunt for the suspect that followed.

During a presentation on Thursday, Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, and Superintendent Joshua Graham, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes, laid out the activities of Myles and Damien Sanderson prior to the morning of September 4 and the sequence of attacks throughout the two communities that has led to most extensive police investigation in Saskatchewan history.

Blackmore said RCMP investigators documented 42 different crime scenes, seized 697 exhibits, and conducted 257 witness interviews during the course of the still on-going investigation.

According to authorities, Myles and Damien Sanderson traveled around James Smith Cree Nation, selling drugs and physically assaulting multiple individuals in the days before tragedy struck.

The pair spent time riding around in vehicles, dealing cocaine, and travelling to the Kinistino bar, where Damien was heard telling a woman that he and Myles had “a mission to do” and that “people would hear all about it in the next few hours.”
Damien and Myles were described by witnesses as “guzzling booze” and “pumping themselves up” for something in the hours before the stabbing attacks, said police.

Melfort RCMP received reports on Sept. 3 that Damien stole a vehicle. The two responding officers located the stolen car outside a residence in James Smith Cree Nation and unknowingly encountered Damien inside the home, who had given police a false name and was unrecognizable to the image from 2014 in the RCMP police records system.

Around 5:30 a.m., the pair picked up a grey Dodge Caravan and forced themselves inside a home where Myles attacked a man with scissors. Damien stopped the assault and on their way out, Myles stole a knife. The injured man called 911 as the brothers drove away, giving police the first indication of violence in the community.

Investigators believe a fight ensued between the two brothers inside the Dodge Caravan, leading Damien to run from the vehicle into some bushes and later dying from his injuries. Myles then broke into another home, where he claimed the life of Robert Sanderson.

Myles spent the next several hours terrorizing the community both on foot and in various stolen vehicles, breaking into homes and attacking people. He was heard bragging about how many “bodies” he had while covered in blood and carrying a knife.

Christian Head, Lana Head, Gregory Burns, Bonnie Burns, Earl Burns, Gloria Burns, Thomas Burns, and Carol Burns were the victims of Myles’ rampage across James Smith Cree Nation in the early morning hours of Sept. 4.

Gloria Burns, a first responder for the James Smith Cree Nation crisis response team, and Earl Burns, an army Veteran, were both said to have risked their lives trying to protect others, according to police.

When he was finished in the First Nation, Myles stole a vehicle and headed towards the nearby Village of Weldon, where he attacked and killed 78-year-old Wesley Petterson at his home. What followed was an extensive search for the suspect over several days, with witness sightings of Myles in One Arrow First Nation and Crystal Springs.

On Sept. 7, the hunt for the mass murderer came to an end on Highway 11 just outside of Rosthern, where Myles was arrested following a dangerous high-speed chase with police. During his apprehension, Myles went into medical distress and later died in hospital.

Blackmore and Graham were unable to provide any further details into the manner and cause of Myles’ death, so as to not impact the two upcoming Saskatchewan Coroners Service inquests scheduled for early 2024.

Council approves SPSA President appointment to Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Council approves SPSA President appointment to Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners

City Council unanimously voted in approval of Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard filling the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners’ vacant Member at Large position.

Pritchard’s appointment is temporary, with his term ending on Dec. 31, 2023. Mayor Greg Dionne explained that Pritchard is only replacing the rest of former Board Chairperson Darcy Sander’s remaining term.

Dionne confirmed that Sander made the decision to leave his position on the Board for personal reasons.

“Darcy has some issues, and he chose the right direction to go,” said Dionne. “He’s going to move on with life and I praise him for that because he did some great things for the Commission.”

Coun. Blake Edwards took some time to thank Sander for his time on the Board, noting that Sander’s decision to resign is a great loss to the City.

“Darcy was an extremely fair Chair who listened to the [Police] Association’s needs and desires, also kept the Board in check. He was a person that dedicated his time looking at the governance model, taking additional courses, to make sure everything was run properly,” said Edwards. “I do know he cared about public safety in the city immensely.”

Marlo Pritchard’s appointment to the Member at Large position is effective immediately following the execution of the Board of Police Commissioner’s Oath of Confidentiality.

Dionne said the board needs to fine-tune its governance model, and Pritchard can help them do it.

Prince Albert RCMP recover remains of missing woman

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
Prince Albert RCMP recover remains of missing woman

On April 23, Prince Albert RCMP received a report of human remains in a wooded area in the RM of Buckland.

Officers immediately attended to the location and began a sudden death investigation with the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP Forensic Identification Services, Major Crimes and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

The deceased has been identified as 41-year-old Joanne Highway, who was reported missing to Prince Albert RCMP on Dec. 9, 2022.

“The investigation into her death is ongoing, in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, pending final results of the autopsy and toxicology, preliminary indication is that no foul play is suspected in relation to Joanne’s death,” said an RCMP media release.

Highway was last seen on Wahpeton Dakota Nation on Nov. 24.

New livestreaming service to be introduced at City Arenas

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
New livestreaming service to be introduced at City Arenas

To ensure that no one will have to miss an important game at the City’s arenas again, Council approved the use of a livestreaming service that will soon be available at the Art Hauser Centre, Kinsmen and Steuart Arena.

During Monday’s City Council meeting, Councillor Blake Edwards said the service is long overdue for the City.

“Many, many other communities have this and it’s exciting for grandparents or those that can’t get to the games to watch minor hockey or whatever else is going on in the areas,” said Edwards.

Livestreaming services operate on a subscription-based system and provide everyone, including coaches, athletes and parents with live broadcasts and On-Demand video archives. The services use a camera that is set up without an operator and runs on motion of the puck.

According to a report from the City’s Sport and Recreation Manager Curtis Olsen, livestreaming has become popular for arenas across Saskatchewan, prompting the Community Services Department to research what options are available for Prince Albert.

After a subsequent review, LiveBarn Inc. was chosen as the best option as it requires no financial contribution from the City or any sporting groups.

A condition of the agreement between the City and LiveBarn states that the livestreaming company will install and maintain all hardware and software required for the operation of the automated online broadcast service, at LiveBarn’s own expense.

Coun. Dennis Ogrodnick said some residents have expressed concerns that LiveBarn will have 24/7 access to the City Arenas, but Community Services Director Jody Boulet confirmed that the City of Prince Albert has the capability to restrict and control viewing.

Boulet said this would also apply to organizers that either have another service in place, such as the Western Hockey League that runs through the Canadian Hockey League App, or for events wanting a specialty service.

Olsen’s report notes that consultations were done with the Prince Albert Mintos and Prince Albert Bears, with both teams stating they are satisfied with the livestreaming services they already have in place.

Benefits for LiveBarn subscribers include being able to watch fully automated, HD Live and On Demand broadcasts from anywhere, at any time and on any device, share highlights via social media and email, and save videos.

According to their website, subscriptions to LiveBarn start at $14.95 per month.

Following unanimous approval by City Council, Administration will begin work on promoting and advertising the livestreaming service once it is operational at the Art Hauser Centre, Kinsmen and Steuart Arena.

2023 Community Clean-Up and Pitch-In Week kicks off on May 8

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
-
0
2023 Community Clean-Up and Pitch-In Week kicks off on May 8

The City of Prince Albert has announced that it’s getting to be that time of the year again, when all groups, organizations, businesses, friends, schools and neighbours get together to clean up Prince Albert during the annual litter pick-up Pitch-In Week.

This year’s Community Clean-Up and Pitch-In campaign is from Monday, May 8 to Saturday, May 13, 2023.

People are encouraged to join a group and register with Pitch-In Canada by visiting http://pitch-in.ca/. By registering, you can have free Pitch-In bags shipped to you directly.

More details can be found at http://citypa.ca/pitch-in, including information regarding safe needle pick-up.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is responsible for the regional needle exchange program, “Straight to the Point Harm Reduction”. The program provides education, awareness, guidance and supplies for safe needle clean-up. If you find a needle, contact Access Place at (306) 765-6533 to pick it up.

“We just want our citizens to be encouraged to clean up and have that spring clean,” said Councillor Terra Lennox-Zepp during Monday’s City Council meeting.

Lennox-Zepp thanked fellow City Councillor Charlene Miller for her efforts in leading the Community Clean-Up for more than a decade.

“Councillor Miller has put on and organized this event for ten plus years,” said Lennox-Zepp. “It benefits the citizens in all Wards, and I wanted to just express my thanks for that leadership.”

Community Clean-Up events are planned at three locations throughout the City this year. The south location will be at the Kinsmen Arena Parking Lot at First Ave West and 28th Street, the east location will be at the Crescent Heights Rink at 998 Branion Drive, and the west location will be at Parkland Hall at Ninth Ave and 15th Street West.

Items such as household garbage, electronics, metal, appliances, grass and leaves, and recyclables will be accepted at these three locations.

The City has also arranged two sites where up to 10 rimless tires per resident can be dropped off for free during business hours.

The locations tires can be dropped off are:

•           Kal Tire – 300 38th Street East (306-763-8426)

•           OK Tire – 1610 First Ave West (306-763-4999)

For more information on tire recycling, visit the Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan website at https://www.tssk.ca/.

Tires can also be brought to the City landfill for a fee.

According to the City, hazardous waste will not be accepted at the community clean-up locations and should be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, Sept. 16. Hazardous waste includes items like paint, adhesives, aerosols, corrosives, and fuels, which are not accepted at the landfill

To make this year’s community clean-up week a success, Lennox-Zepp said the City is looking for volunteers that are interested in picking up litter around their neighborhood and encourage others to do the same.

Volunteer forms can be found on the City’s website at www.citypa.ca/Community-Clean-up-week-volunteer/.

1...567...70Page 6 of 70