Canada announces CAN$62.5M in support for Cree Nation

TRENTON, Canada

Canada announced Monday that it will provide CAN$62.5 million (US$46.3 million) in support over the next six years for an Indigenous tribe rocked by a horrific stabbing spree that claimed 11 victims in September.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement during a visit to the James Smith Cree Nation in the western province of Saskatchewan.

In the wake of the tragedy, Indigenous leaders made renewed calls for better cultural-based substance abuse and mental health and healing services as well as Indigenous-led police departments. Community leaders said drugs and alcohol abuse contributed to the fatal stabbings.

"Today, we are taking action," Trudeau told assembled chiefs and band members in the community of 1,900.

A new CAN$42.5 million (US$31.5 million) wellness center and improvements to the current facility will be enacted over six years, and new substance and mental health and addiction services will be created based on Indigenous healing methods.

In addition, CAN$20 million (US$14.8 million) will be added to the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative to help "keep people safe," Trudeau said.

He said Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino has promised to take action on the formation of Indigenous police forces.

In all, 11 people were murdered and 18 injured on the Nation reserve and in the nearby village of Weldon on Sept. 4. The 32-year-old suspect, Myles Sanderson, later died in police custody.

Trudeau met privately with family members of the victims and also with other community members. At a gathering in the local school, the prime minister acknowledged the pain they felt.

"This is a community still healing, still grieving," he said.

The prime minister along with Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu and a Cree and First Nation chief visited the local Anglican church where most of the victims are buried.