JAMES SMITH CREE NATION — Ten people were killed in stabbing attacks, and a suspect also died, on the James Smith Cree Nation and in the nearby community of Weldon, northeast of Saskatoon, on Sunday. Police say 18 others were injured.
Here is a look at some of the victims:
Bonnie Burns, 48
Bonnie Burns was a true matriarch who prioritized her family and home, said her brother, Mark Arcand. She had four sons and two foster children, all of whom were home at the time of the attack.
Burns was killed outside her home on the First Nation while trying to shield her children, he said, describing her as a “mama bear” protecting her cubs. Her son Gregory was also killed and another son was stabbed in the neck but survived.
“She’s not a victim, she’s a hero,” Arcand said.
Burns “married into” the community and was always volunteering and helping out, and would make her husband, Brian, come along, Arcand said. She had been working at a school over the last few years to help provide for her family, he said.
She made a big difference in people’s lives, and always put others first, he said. “It didn’t matter what you did in your life, she was proud of you.”
Burns had also been sober for 15 years, her brother said. She and her husband were always joking and laughing together, he added. The couple met in 1990.
Brian Burns said it would have been their wedding anniversary on Sept. 24. They got married on her birthday so they’d never forget their anniversary.
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Gregory Burns, 28
Widely known as “Jonesy,” Gregory Burns was a “great kid” who did whatever he could for his family, and died trying to protect them, his uncle Mark Arcand said.
Burns worked in the community of James Smith Cree Nation, built houses and tried to help his parents take care of his younger brothers, Arcand said. He had two children and a third on the way.
“This young man had opportunities to work, he was fully employable. He had lots of tickets and opportunities,” but his life was taken away, Arcand said.
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Earl Burns, 66
Family said Earl Burns was a loving father and grandfather who died protecting his family.
Garnet Eyahpaise was still trying to comprehend the violent attack that claimed the life of his brother-in-law.
He said they both attended the St. Michael’s Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. Eyahpaise later married a sister of Burns.
Burns was a veteran with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
“His parents were very proud of the fact that he enlisted, that he chose to serve this country. He never seen battle, but nonetheless he still served this country,” said Eyahpaise.
Burns also followed in his father’s footsteps in the ’70s and participated in the rodeo circuit. He rode both bare and saddle back, Eyahpaise said.
Burns liked to play hockey. Another favourite pastime was fishing. “All his famous catches are mounted on his wall,” said his brother-in-law.
Burns and his wife were parents to two daughters and a son, along with many grandchildren. His wife was also injured in the attacks and remains in hospital.
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Lydia Gloria Burns, 61
Media reports quoted siblings as saying Lydia Burns, who went by Gloria, was a first responder on the reserve. CBC reported that she was killed while responding to a crisis call during the attacks.
“Knowing you, you would do anything for anyone! You’re the most courageous person I know. You’re a hero!” friend Darla Rabesca posted on Facebook. “Heaven has definitely gained a beautiful angel!”
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Thomas Burns, 23
A former co-worker shared memories of working with Thomas Burns in a Facebook post. She said she will miss receiving random messages and video calls from the youngest victim in the fatal stabbing rampage. She wrote: “You were so funny and kind and you didn’t deserve this at all.”
Lana Head, 49
Several media reports have said Head was a mother of two daughters. CBC quoted Head’s former partner, Michael Brett Burns, as saying Head was a security guard at Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert, Sask.
“Rest In Peace beautiful, you truly were an amazing person and had such a sweet innocent demeanor with such laughter,” friend Anne Day wrote on Head’s Facebook page.
“I will miss our chats and seeing your chipmunk cheek smile,” posted Teresa Stewart. “May you be guided into the spirit world wrapped in comfort, peace and love.”
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Christian Head, 54
A Facebook page for Christian Head shows that he was a golfer and enjoyed going to car shows.
He posted several photos of himself wearing orange shirts to honour children who died at residential schools. He also posted photos of his grandchildren.
In one photo with two toddlers, the caption reads: “Papa Chick’s visitors for the day. Lots of fun teaching them to talk. Understanding them is the cutest and how they all communicate at this age – amazing. Listening is key.”
An older grandchild posted a photo of himself and Head wearing Edmonton Oilers hockey jerseys. “I keep wishing I could see you one last time. May you rest in peace, Papa Chicken.”
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Robert Sanderson, 49
Online tributes and condolences have poured in for Robert Sanderson, who also went by Bobby.
One family member posted a slideshow of photos of Sanderson with throughout his life set to a song from Vancouver-duo Dani and Lizzy. A snippet of their song “Dancing in the Sky” can be heard with the lyrics, “I hope you’re dancing in the sky. And I hope you’re singing in the angel’s choir. And I hope the angels know what they have.”
Sanderson posted about his cooking and catering efforts on his Facebook page. One person thanked him for providing the food for a birthday party.
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Wesley Petterson, 78
All 10 victims were from the James Smith Cree Nation, except for Wesley Petterson, who lived 30 kilometres away in the village of Weldon.
He loved his cats, was proud of his homemade saskatoon berry jam and frequently helped out his neighbours, said resident Ruby Works.
She said she thought of him as an uncle and collapsed when she found out he had been killed.
“He didn’t do anything. He didn’t deserve this. He was a good, kind-hearted man,” said Works.
Resident Robert Rush said Petterson was a widower who lived with his adult grandson. He said the grandson was in the basement of their home when Petterson was attacked.
“He stayed down there until they were gone.”
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The Canadian Press
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