MELFORT, SASKATCHEWAN – The public inquest into the 11 deaths in the James Smith Cree Nation and Village of Weldon has brought family members of the victims seeking closure and answers. Barbra Marion, the sister of one of the murdered victims, attended the inquest to hear evidence about her brother Christian Head and his wife Lana Head, who were allegedly killed by Miles Sanderson. This decision was not easy for her, but she felt it was necessary for her own peace of mind.
Marion received a call on September 4th, informing her that her brother had been stabbed. She rushed to his house just a few doors down, only to find Christian unresponsive. Lana was also found in the same condition in another room. The devastating event has left Marion grappling with anxiety and depression, and she now lives in fear, constantly worrying about potential dangers on the reserve.
As the inquest unfolds, Chief Coroner Clive Weighill has stated that the highly anticipated testimony from RCMP officers and the coroner’s service will detail the causes of death for each victim, along with information from the Parole Board of Canada. Weighill emphasized that the inquest is not a trial, but an opportunity to understand the full facts and evidence of the tragic events that occurred 16 months ago.
The public inquest is shedding light on the traumatic impact of the killings, as family members like Barbra Marion seek closure and the community at large grapples with the aftermath. The testimony and evidence presented during the inquest will be crucial in providing a better understanding of the events and hopefully offer some solace to the affected families.
The inquest continues to be a significant part of the healing process for the community, as it aims to provide answers, closure, and a deeper understanding of the tragic events that unfolded. As the proceedings move forward, it is clear that the impact of these deaths extends far beyond the individuals involved and will continue to shape the community for years to come.