The Saskatchewan NDP is backing calls from Birch Narrows Dene Nation Chief Jonathon Sylvestre for increased policing and frontline supports following a homicide in Turnor Lake.
RCMP say officers responded to a home just before 3 a.m., where 21-year-old Shalayah Montgrand was found deceased.
Twenty-five-year-old Darian Montgrand was arrested outside the residence and charged with manslaughter.
Chief Sylvestre said the tragedy has left the community devastated.
“It’s pretty sad that it’s come to this to finally get some attention on the needs of our community,” Sylvestre said. “People are hurting and struggling to understand how something this tragic could happen here.”
Sylvestre said Birch Narrows and Turnor Lake have repeatedly raised concerns about addictions, mental health and public safety while dealing with limited police presence.
“There have been times where we had extremely limited police presence in our communities,” he said. “We need governments to stop making promises and start delivering real supports on the ground.”
NDP First Nations and Métis Relations Shadow Minister Leroy Laliberte said northern residents are “tired of being forgotten” and called for increased investments in mental health care, addictions treatment and policing resources across Northern Saskatchewan.