Stabbing Incidents at James Smith Cree Nation & Weldon
Statement and update on behalf of the Saskatchewan Health Authority:
Our hearts go out to those affected as well as their families in the aftermath of the tragedy at James Smith Cree Nation, Weldon and surrounding area. As a symbol of our support for the people and communities we serve that were impacted by this terrible tragedy, we are lowering our flags to half-mast.
We can confirm that on Sunday morning we activated our emergency response processes as a result of this situation. This includes initiating protocols for accepting a high number of critical patients (Code Orange). As the SHA is no longer expecting intake of a high number of patients as a result of this situation, the SHA was discontinued its Code Orange protocols late Sunday.
The situation continues to evolve and our teams continue to assess the needs of those in our care as a result of this situation. As a result, there is limited information we can provide at this time.
We can confirm that the SHA admitted 17 individuals presenting with injuries related to yesterday’s events to hospitals within the province. There are currently 13 patients that remain in-hospital. Four patients are in critical condition, nine are in stable condition and four individuals have been discharged home to family.
Please note that SHA numbers may differ slightly from other agencies as we only track and report on admissions to hospital.
We can also confirm that no SHA staff, including EMS, were harmed in yesterday’s events.
For security and privacy reasons, at this time the SHA will not be disclosing the hospitals where these patients are receiving care. The SHA will provide public updates on patient information once daily by late afternoon and will not be responding to media or public requests for patient information outside of this daily update.
Along with providing for the immediate medical care required for those affected, the SHA is working on deployment of mental health resources to families, communities, physicians and staff impacted.
Those in the northeast in the area most affected by this tragedy can call the supports listed below to access mental health supports that may be able to assist them through this challenging situation.
Mental Health Supports are available in the North East from the SHA by calling the intake line at:
- Prince Albert and Area Mental Health and Addictions Centralized Intake
306-765-6055/1-888-765-6055 - NE – South (Melfort- Nipawin- Rosthern - Tisdale and Area)
Mental Health and Addictions Centralized Intake
1- 833- 274- 4060 - North East Crisis Line (Melfort) 24 hrs
1-800-611-6349/306-752-9455
The SHA is also actively reaching out to Prince Albert Grand Council, James Smith Cree Nation and other community partners in the area to offer support.
We want to thank our frontline operational and clinical leaders, emergency and first responders, RCMP, Police and all others that are mobilizing to respond to this very difficult situation.