A resident looks at a memorial set up at Dene High School. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

remembering and resilience

La Loche comes together on 10th anniversary of mass shooting

Jan 22, 2026 | 6:23 PM

To mark the 10th anniversary of the deadly shooting at La Loche’s Dene High School, students, staff and community members came together for moments of reflection on Thursday.

The day began with a mass at a local church, which was followed by a lunch at the school. A remembrance service began at 1 p.m. with a moment of silence, as well as speeches by leadership and dignitaries, and a memento presentation by Northern Lights School Division (NLSD) administration. Those in attendance received a caribiner with “Dene Strong” inscribed on it.

NLSD Director of Education Jason Young explained the school is typically closed on Jan. 22, but staff wanted to remain open this year to remember the past while also looking forward to the future.

“I think all the speeches today were really well done,” he remarked.

“We heard from one of the students who was injured and she spoke and talked about her journey and the difficulty she went through. I thought that was powerful. She talked about resilience and continuing to move forward, so an incredible story that she told. I really appreciate everyone’s efforts to have the courage to do it on this day.”

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On January 22, 2016, Randan Fontaine murdered his cousins Dayne and Drayden Fontaine at their home, before going to Dene High School and killing Marie Janvier and Adam Wood, and injuring Noah Elliot, Taylor Haineault, Kianna Janvier, Phyllis Longobardi, Christie Montgrand and Jenne Montgrand. Charlene Klyne died in May 2023 – her family said it was because of the injuries she sustained during the shooting.

Following the shooting, Dene High School underwent $4.4 million in renovations and upgrades. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

A remembrance ceremomy, which was closed to the media, was held in the school’s gymnasium. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

NLSD Director of Education Jason Young said a lot of work to move forward has occurred in the last decade. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

La Loche Mayor Lyle Herman stated he will be available to support students and community members in the years to come. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Randan Fontaine, who was two weeks shy of his 18th birthday at the time, was sentenced as an adult to life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 10 years.

In the time since the mass shooting, there has been plenty of changes at Dene High School. For instance, staff had traumatic event training and other training specific to trauma recovery, and trauma-informed practices. There’s also a wellness space that includes an area for counsellors, a calming room, and massage chairs, along with a wellness coordinator and two counsellors who were hired full time to develop and implement the Dene High Holistic Wellness Plan.

“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received, and there was that ongoing funding that we received whether it was provincial, federal, through other sponsors, and that’s just something we hope to see and hope will continue to help with the ongoing journey of healing and wellness in the school and the community,” Young said.

Young also noted the school division is planning to build a monument to remember what happened, but to also be symbolic of the future. That could occur as soon as the fall and he added everyone is encouraged to provide any feedback about the project.

Another speaker at the ceremony was La Loche Mayor Lyle Herman. He said the community has shown resilience since the tragedy and that today’s event was eye-opening. As the community continues on its healing path, Herman believes it will be important to keep listening to the youth.

“I would say we are all moving forward, but on our pace,” he said.

“There are some people who chose not to be here on this particular day and that is their own way of healing. Healing comes from day after day, year after year. Some of us are hit harder than others.”

Condolences pour in from Saskatchewan politicians

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe took to social media on Thursday to let citizens know his thoughts are with the survivors, and the friends and family of those who were lost.

“Ten years ago, La Loche was shaken by a tragedy that sent shockwaves across Saskatchewan and throughout the country,” he wrote.

“Today, we remember the lives lost and reflect on the healing and resilience that has taken place over the past decade.”

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck and Athabasca MLA Leroy Laliberte also issued a joint statement, which stated they join the people of Saskatchewan in remembering and honouring the lives lost and with all those who continue to be affected.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, survivors, and the entire community of La Loche, who continue to endure pain, hardship, and trauma as a result of this attack,” the statement reads.

“As we reflect together as a province, we recognize that the consequences of violence extend far beyond its immediate victims, leaving lasting impacts on families, communities, and generations.”

Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River MP Buckley Belanger also wanted residents to know he was thinking of them.

“Healing is not a straight path, but the people of La Loche have walked it together, step by step, with courage and care,” he wrote on social media.

“Today, I stand with La Loche in remembrance of those we lost. We will not forget, and we continue together on that path of healing.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com