LA LOCHE, Sask. – Last month, four people were shot dead in La Loche, Sask. On Wednesday, the community took a major stride forward and Global’s Leena Latafat spent the day there with them speaking to children, parents and teachers as it all happened.
Perhaps the first sign of true healing, after several meetings with parents, the Ducharme Elementary School opened its doors Tuesday.
“It’s something about the building on Monday before they got there where there was still a heavy presence, if I could say that. It didn’t feel like a school and then it’s amazing how when you fill it with children and there’s laughter and there’s smiles, it just kind of washes it away,” said Erin Trotechaud, vice principal at the school.
“My first thing this morning, I was like ‘Oh a bus’ I was like ‘awesome,’ it’s so nice to see a bus again,” said Ducharme Elementary School assistant principal Leanne Gailey.
Another sign was the “Reclaiming Our School” walk back to where it all started. Once inside the school students filled the hallways once again, this time holding hands and chanting prayers.
WATCH: Hundreds participate in ‘reclaiming our school’ march one month after La Loche shooting
FULL COVERAGE: La Loche school shooting
Classes at La Loche high school are expected to resume Friday.
“It will not be back to regular routine as we used to have it but we are aware it will look different,” said Donna Janvier, a vice principal at La Loche Community School.
New entrances are set up at both schools. Another change are two satellite classrooms for those who aren’t comfortable.
But some are already dreading the aftermath.
“There’s been a real concern that after about a week or two weeks from now, everybody’s going to leave and we’re back right where we were,” said Greg Hatch, who is also a vice principal at La Loche Community School.
But the officials who have spent time with the community say they won’t happen.
“We’ll look and see what’s necessary for the long-term, we want to have some discussions with the community and see what they need to feel safe for the longer term. It was a horrible tragedy to go through and they’re feeling of safety is something that’s paramount right now,” said Saskatchewan Education Minister Don Morgan.
“There’s still going to be a lot of healing to come but I’m very confident that the people in the north will get through this,” added Dene community member Michael Wolverine.
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