Richard Thunderchild, who lives in Spiritwood, and Quebec Metis Constable Sophie Menard, who is stationed in Prince Albert. Photo by Chelsea Laskowski
This week, Mounties were an integral part of sacred ceremonies in Spiritwood that mark 10 years since two officers died in the line of duty.
The memories of the shooting are fresh for some local residents – of hearing helicopters flying by day and night during the massive RCMP search for the shooter, Curtis Dagenais. He shot and killed Cst. Robin Cameron and Marc Bourdages, and injured officer Michelle Knopp. Dagenais fled and turned himself in after hiding out in the Spiritwood area for more than a week.
Staff Sgt. Barry Thomas is now the head of the Spiritwood detachment. On July 7, 2006, he was stationed in Shellbrook and got a call about a possible pursuit coming from Spiritwood. He was already in the RCMP cruiser when he heard the chilling words, “shots fired” over the radio.
“When you hear the shots, that we got members down, your adrenaline’s going a thousand miles an hour and you do get goal-oriented. Our goal was we’re finding Marc and Robin. We’re not gonna sit around and wait,” Thomas said.
Staff Sgt. Barry Thomas. Photo by Chelsea Laskowski
With Knopp’s help, Thomas and his fellow officers were able to locate Cameron and Bourdages and get them medical help. Cameron was pulled off life support on July 15, 2006, and Bourdages died the day after.
“I always, deep in my mind, say you know, we gave them an extra five, six days for the family and that’s what makes me feel better,” he said.
Curtis’ father Art still lives in the community. The call to RCMP that sparked the fatal shootings a decade ago was related to a dispute between himself and his former wife. Art staunchly defended his son during his trial, which led to him serving three consecutive life sentences, and Art has defended him in the years since.
“Mr. Dagenais still has his beliefs and he’s entitled to whatever belief he may think may or may not have happened. At times we do still have dealings with him and it is what it is. We maintain professionalism and do what we have to do,” he said.
While tension remains between Art and the RCMP, it’s a very different situation between the surrounding First Nations and the RCMP.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron speaks with an RCMP officer. Photo by Chelsea Laskowski
On Wednesday, RCMP officers handed out food at a traditional First Nations feast under a tent in Spiritwood’s SAD SAAC park. Many wore red shirts stating “Red Serge Proud” and “Together we are fierce/Together we are strong/Together we stand,” as they sat in the centre of the feast and were a part of a pipe ceremony.
As a 27-year officer, Thomas said over the years he’s attended many powwows and similar events.
“We love to be involved in the communities and the culture. It’s really important and we’re not just there to arrest people and enforce the laws,” he said.
Cameron’s brother-in-law Leroy Laliberte recalled how involved she was, having lived in Pelican Lake and leading different youth programs.