James Smith Cree Nation inquest hears from killer's parole officer
Jason Warick | CBC News | Posted: January 23, 2024 11:00 AM | Last Updated: January 23, 2024
'We did see that his behaviour evolved over time,' says parole officer Jessica Dix
WARNING: This story contains distressing details.
The James Smith Cree Nation man responsible for the 2022 stabbing deaths of 11 people had taken programs and improved his attitude while in prison, but was designated a "low" chance of reintegrating into society, an inquest into those killings heard Tuesday.
Myles Sanderson was eventually released from prison, had a warrant for his arrest issued when he violated his release conditions, and committed the murders several months later on Sept. 4, 2022. Family members, James Smith leaders and others have asked why he was released and then not recaptured.
Earlier this week, the inquest heard Sanderson's record and breach of conditions was a concern, but that there were many other cases that were more urgent and more serious.
On Tuesday, witnesses testified about Sanderson's behaviour while in prison in the years and months before the stabbings.
"Mr. Sanderson started out with a very adversarial attitude. He was accusatory. My impression was he didn't want to be told what to do," said parole officer Jessica Dix.
"However, over time … he opened up. He worked with a program elder. He was willing to accept advice in a much healthier way as the program progressed.
"We did see that his behaviour evolved over time."
Sanderson did not get in any fights in prison and passed all drug tests. Security assessments found no evidence he was part of a gang.
When he was granted statutory release, he had initially indicated he would reside at James Smith, located approximately 170 kilometres north of Saskatoon. He met with band leadership and a plan was set up for his release to James Smith, but he decided instead to live with his father in Saskatoon, ending that communication with the band.
He failed to meet with his parole officer. He also violated the order not to contact his partner or children outside of approved programming, the inquest heard. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
WATCH | James Smith health director says local staff contributions not being recognized in inquest testimony:
Inquest in 2nd week
The second week of the coroner's inquest into the stabbing massacre that occurred at James Smith Cree Nation in 2022 began Monday.
Monday's proceedings included an explanation from RCMP about how their specialized unit was busy pursuing others with far worse criminal records than Myles Sanderson, the James Smith Cree Nation man who was unlawfully at large when he killed 11 people and wounded 17 others in the massacre.
Ryan How, RCMP's Saskatchewan Enforcement and Response Team (SERT) north region manager, testified Monday that there are active warrants for approximately 5,000 people in Saskatchewan at any time and half of those are for violent offences.
On the day in question, there were 5,468, he said.
WATCH | James Smith Cree Nation massacre inquest enters 2nd week:
The inquest began last week in Melfort — a small city about 30 kilometres southeast of James Smith Cree Nation — and is scheduled to continue until Feb. 2. Jury members are listening to the evidence and will be tasked with providing recommendations to help prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
Chief Calvin Sanderson of James Smith Cree Nation's Chakastaypasin Band said Monday that though it has been a "pretty emotional last week" for the membership, they are looking forward to the recommendations.
"Hopefully it triggers something federally and provincially. So the recommendations will be a key point for our First Nations community," Sanderson said.
LISTEN | Mass stabbing inquest hears horror, heroism:
Earlier Monday, the inquest heard details about the emergency response to the tragedy. Dozens of RCMP, conservation officers, highway patrol officers and medical staff all rushed to the scene.
Support is available for people affected by this tragedy. The Hope for Wellness hotline offers immediate help to Indigenous people across Canada. Mental health counselling and crisis support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
You can talk to a mental health professional via Wellness Together Canada by calling 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 686868 for youth or 741741 for adults. It is free and confidential.
Talking Stick is a Saskatchewan-based free anonymous chat platform that connects people seeking emotional support to a trained Indigenous peer advocate 24/7.