La Loche extends message of solidarity to Tumbler Ridge, B.C. after shooting

Sask. Premier Scott Moe calls the Tumbler Ridge shooting “horrifying,” sends thoughts to victims, families and the community as Dene High School shows support.

Weeks after marking 10 years since its own deadly shooting, a high school in La Loche, Sask. is extending its support and solidarity with Tumbler Ridge, B.C. after a shooting on Tuesday.

The Tumbler Ridge shooting left 10 people dead, more than half of them found at the local high school. Details continue to emerge, but it is already one of the most deadly shootings in Canadian history.

• 10 dead, including suspect, after mass shooting at northern B.C. high school

In a Facebook post, the Dene High School in La Loche posted that it was horrified to learn of the tragic events.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, families, community members, and school staff. We stand with them in solidarity,” the post said.

La Loche held a day of remembrance on Jan. 22, marking 10 years since a shooting left four people dead in the northern Saskatchewan community on Jan. 22, 2016.

• ‘Life’s kind of slowed down’: La Loche marks 10 years since deadly shooting with day of remembrance

Saskatchewan educators and politicians are also among those sharing their condolences and support for the community of Tumbler Ridge.

“This kind of pain is devastating. Many in northern Saskatchewan understand, all too well, the deep and lasting impact a tragedy such as this can have,” said Buckley Belanger, the Member of Parliament for Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River, which includes La Loche.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation said it stands with the community, along with the teachers, school staff and first responders “who acted with courage during an unimaginable situation.”

“Schools must be a safe space. Today, and in the difficult days ahead, we hold the Tumbler Ridge school community close in solidarity,” the STF statement said.

“We know that when a school community is hurting, the impact is deeply felt by everyone,” Public Schools of Saskatchewan said. “Please know that you are not alone. Across Saskatchewan and beyond, fellow educators, trustees, and school communities are thinking of you and holding you close in their thoughts.”

Premier Scott Moe called news of the shooting “horrifying.”

“Our prayers are with the families of the victims, those injured, and everyone in the community,” Moe said.

“I am shocked and deeply heartbroken by the horrific shootings in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.,” NDP Leader Carla Beck said. “My deepest condolences go out to all those who have lost loved ones or have been impacted by this tragic event.”

In Regina, the flags at both city hall and the Saskatchewan Legislative Building have been lowered to half-mast.

In a statement, Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski said he is heartbroken for Tumbler Ridge and sends his sympathies to those affected by the tragedy.

“This is a despicable and senseless tragedy, and our hearts are with the families, students, teachers and everyone impacted,” his statement read.

“There are no words to ease this kind of pain. As a father, I am holding the families very close in my heart.”

Tumbler Ridge is located in the Peace River region in northeastern B.C. and has a population of about 2,400. The secondary school has roughly 160 students, according to School District 59.

-With files from Carla Shynkaruk and CTV News Vancouver