Birch Narrows Dene Nation Chief Jonathon Sylvestre is renewing calls for support after a recent homicide in Turnor Lake, a northern Saskatchewan community. The chief, speaking at a video conference on May 11, expressed that residents are feeling shocked and scared following the violence.
Details of the Incident
Shalayah Montgrand, a 21-year-old mother, was killed in Turnor Lake, located east of La Loche. Police have charged 25-year-old Darian Montgrand with manslaughter in connection to her death. He was scheduled to appear in Meadow Lake provincial court on Monday morning. Buffalo Narrows RCMP reported that officers responded to a call about an injured woman at a home early Friday morning. Darian was arrested outside the residence, and Shalayah was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief Sylvestre described Shalayah as a caring and gentle person who loved her son deeply. He noted that she was an aunt to his grandchildren, emphasizing the personal toll of the tragedy.
Long-Standing Concerns
Sylvestre stated that he has been raising alarms about addictions and public safety in the area for years. He highlighted that police presence has often been extremely limited, with new officers requiring months of training and being stretched thin. The First Nation has hired private security, but their capabilities are restricted.
During an NDP news conference alongside Athabasca MLA Leroy Laliberte, Sylvestre called for more support. Laliberte, the opposition critic for First Nations and Métis relations, urged the provincial government to do more for northern communities. He noted that promised community safety officers, appointed as special constables to enforce provincial laws and local bylaws, have not been delivered.
Government Response
In an emailed statement, Saskatchewan RCMP confirmed they are actively recruiting officers to fill vacancies. Over the past three months, four new cadets have been sent to the Buffalo Narrows detachment, which covers Turnor Lake. Another cadet is expected this summer, with the detachment area fully staffed by September.
Community Safety Minister Michael Weger expressed condolences to Shalayah's family and highlighted the government's commitment to policing. The recent budget allocated $310 million to the RCMP and $26 million for First Nations policing. The ministry also stated its commitment to expanding the First Nation Community Officer Safety program to more communities, including Birch Narrows.
Laliberte emphasized that communities like Turnor Lake and Birch Narrows deserve the same safety and support as any other community in Saskatchewan. The chief echoed this sentiment, noting that the tragedy has left many struggling to understand how such violence could occur.
