A small memorial lays outside the school in La Loche where 10 years ago a young shooter killed a teacher, a teacher’s aide, and wounded seven others. (Image Credit: The Canadian Press)

By Nigel Maxwell

Healing journey

Mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge brings back chilling memories for Northern Sask. school division

Feb 11, 2026 | 4:52 PM

After hearing news of the school shooting at Tumbler Ridge, the Director of Education for the Northern Lights School says he felt denial before anxiety set in.

Tuesday’s tragic events have resulted in nine deaths including the 18-year-old shooter. More than 20 others were injured.

Jason Young acknowledged it’s been just over 10 years since the fatal shootings in La Loche where four people died and seven were wounded. Recalling his own experience dealing with a mass tragedy, Young said the small community in northeastern B.C, is dealing with a long healing journey.

“The shock of what’s happening and trying to make sense of it all is where it starts, I think,” he said, adding there’s still more important questions left to be answered.

“I think right now the focus isn’t on what’s ahead, it is on those that are still in hospital care and are they gonna be OK,” he said.

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Young confirmed they’ve reached out to the school division in B.C. to offer supports. And with respect to the schools in his own division, he confirmed their own healing journey has been with many challenges, but added they’ve had great supports.

“I’ve really admired leadership in the community and the steps they are making towards making their community a better place and they are on their way.”

That being said, the events in Tumbler Rudge have likely re-opened scars for staff and students still recovering from the events in 2016. He said communication through the Centre for Trauma Informed Practices provides resources for teachers who may face difficult conversations in their classrooms. This includes a violence threat risk assessment tool that can help determine the level of risk someone may pose to others

“Just to make sure we are addressing or resolving anxiety for any potential new threats that would come during this—what I would describe as a critical period,” Young explained.

In the coming days, Young said it will be important for educational staff in Tumbler Ridge to scan their own environment and watch for other threats both homicidal and suicidal.

Reaction from other school divisions

According to a statement provided by Northwest School Division, violence prevention is a shared community responsibility. 

“Schools play an important role, but ensuring safe environments requires collaboration between families, community agencies and local authorities.”

The Community Violence Prevention Protocol, first signed in 2017, formalizes this shared commitment. Developed in partnership with the RCMP, the Ministries of Health and Justice, the local college, Flying Dust First Nation, the City of Meadow Lake and other community organizations, the protocol outlines how partners work together to share information appropriately, assess risk and respond in a coordinated and timely way when concerns arise.

“We also provide annual training opportunities for staff related to violence prevention and risk assessment. All schools and division offices maintain comprehensive emergency response procedures, including lockdown protocols and other safety measures, which are reviewed and practiced each year.”

Tonya Lehman, deputy director for the Living Sky School Division, stated they maintain a comprehensive emergency response plan that addresses scenarios most likely to affect their schools, along with annual requirements for drills and staff training. 

“These plans outline clear steps for staff to follow in situations involving immediate safety concerns as well as in responding to traumatic events. Dedicated crisis response teams work closely together whenever concerns arise. While every situation is unique, these proactive measures help to ensure we are prepared to respond effectively.”

Lorel Trumier, director of education for the Prince Albert Roman Catholic School Division, said the school division does many things to prepare for such traumatic events. There is emergency planning, procedures and response measures, including a multitude of training and processes for administration and staff, which are regularly updated and reviewed.

“We also belong to the Prince Albert and Area Community Threat Assessment and Support Protocol, which is a collaborative planning effort among community partners to reduce violence and reflect safe, caring, and restorative approaches. We address needs on a case-by-case basis to provide support or counselling for our staff and students.”

All three school divisions extended their condolences and support for people living in Tumbler Ridge.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell