Calgarians rally to help James Smith’s Cree Nation after shock attack – Calgary

Calgarians still reeling from James Smith’s Cree Nation tragedy were compelled to help survivors in their darkest days.

Alycia Two Bears held a vigil to show their support.

« I didn’t know what to do with this overwhelming feeling of disconnection and helplessness. »

« I hope we can show James Smith’s Cree Nation that they are not alone there and that we here in Treaty 7, we see them, we want to hold them back, » Two Bears said.

She said many in her community are still processing what happened.

Ten people were killed and 18 others were injured in a stabbing rampage at 13 crime scenes on the James Smith Cree Nation and nearby village of Weldon, Saskatchewan on Sunday, making it one of the worst massacres in Canada.

“I have this numb feeling and I can’t believe this is happening,” Two Bears said.

« What can I do? I feel like all we can do is too late, but I know it’s not. It’s time to get back to the community in the best way possible. .

The event will take place Friday at 7 p.m. at the Olympic Plaza. She plans to do a jingle dance to honor the victims.

« I’m going to jingle dance for those who can’t, » Two Bears said. “To make sure the prayers in the jingles are heard. It’s a healing dance and I want it to be felt there.

Organizers are asking those who can to bring Walmart Family Gift Cards and they will be mailed directly to them. Two Bears said the whole community is invited.

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“We are talking about truth and reconciliation and it is happening here, right now. In what ways do you think you should present yourself? You introduce yourself ? If not, here’s a chance to provide tangible, physical support to the community,” said Two Bears.

Co-organizer Bren Little Light has ties to the community. She said the gathering can be a time to lean on each other as they process what is to come.

“As survivors of the 60s scoop, we are triggered by this. I went through a trauma and I don’t want to go through that,” Little Light said. « I want to help people who are going through this and I want to be able to help and make sure they don’t suffer alone and in silence. »

Lowa Beebe plans to travel to James Smith Cree Nation in the coming days to support people.

« Myself, being First Nations and connected to the people there, I wondered how could I help? » says Beebe.

« When a community is affected, we are all affected. »

Beebe said this national tragedy is a reminder of how much support the Indigenous community needs.

« Our people and our communities are the most vulnerable in the country and we need protection and we need help and in these tragedies it is these calls to action that cause this. »

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