Mayor David Gillan standing with the City of North Battleford's flags, which are draped with black ribbons as a sign of mourning for Queen Elizabeth's recent passing. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Two moments of silence

City honours James Smith Cree Nation victims and the Queen

Sep 13, 2022 | 8:41 AM

The City of North Battleford held two separate moments of silence during council’s meeting Monday.

Mayor David Gillan first acknowledged the tragic loss of life and injuries on the James Smith Cree Nation and the village of Weldon. Twelve people, including the two suspects, died in connection to the incident and 18 others were injured.

“I’ve been moved by the public statements provided by families, the victims of these horrific acts of violence,” Gillan said. “While the James Smith Cree Nation and the village of Weldon began a painful grieving process, their acts of forgiveness have truly shown that while forgiveness does not change the past, you can certainly change the future.”

He said the City of North Battleford mourns the loss of the victims and expresses its sincere condolences to all the families affected.

For the second moment of silence, the mayor wanted to acknowledge the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Canada’s head of state.

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He said her reign of 70 years and 214 days was the longest of any British monarch and the second-longest reigning sovereign in world history.

“During her more than 70 years as Queen, her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II lived a devoted life of service, with a particular fondness for Canada, having visited our country 22 times,” Gillan said. “As we mourn the passing of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I would like to share in a moment of silence to reflect on her unwavering dedication of service to Canada.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow