‘Tumbler Ridge strong’: Vigil held for victims of mass school shooting

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — A vigil was held for the victims of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge on February 10th, with politicians from across the country in attendance.

At the steps of the Tumbler Ridge town hall, people gathered with candles to remember the eight victims killed in the mass shooting at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governor General of Canada Mary Simon, leader of the opposition Pierre Poilievre, B.C. Premier David Eby, the Lieutenant governor of British Columbia Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia and many more were also in attendance to speak with residents. 

Prayers were given by former West Moberly chief Elder George Desjarlais and Reverend Gerald Krauss of New Life Assembly, both speaking of grief, healing and the importance of supporting one another during times of pain. 

Tumbler Ridge Mayor Krakowka also spoke about grief and hardship, reminding the community “healing is something we will do together.” 

“We are a small community, but we are a strong community, we are a family, and in moments like this, families come together,” Krakowka said. 

“The pain we carry is real, the loss is profound and the days ahead will not be easy.” 

Carney also spoke to the community, praising their resilience and their character, and reflecting on his time in the community in the wake of the shooting alongside the federal party leaders. 

“We’ve listened, and we’ve felt what’s always defined this community; people caring for each other,” Carney said. 

The Prime Minister also spoke about the individual victims of the shooting, as well as Maya and Paige, who are in Vancouver receiving medical treatment. 

“When you wake up tomorrow and the world feels impossible, know that millions of Canadians are with you,” Carney said.

When Poilierve addressed the crowd, he spoke about the character of Tumbler Ridge despite the tragedy, saying “we are all Tumbler Ridge strong” today.

“We are a nation with a broken heart, but we are also a nation with open arms, and those arms wrap all of the people of Tumbler Ridge in love,” Poilierve said.  

“There is nothing ordinary about the people of this town, you are extraordinary.” 

Lisogar-Cocchia encouraged the community to embrace grief and the healing journey, stating she was in attendance to represent the entire province’s support for Tumbler Ridge. 

“Grief is not something that passes quickly, it’s painful and is a slow process, it moves at its own pace,” Lisogar-Cocchia said.

“We are here for you for as long as it takes, and it will take a long time.”

The Governor General, too, offered condolences “on behalf of all Canadians,” encouraging residents and families to “give themselves space and time” to grieve.

“With all their brilliance, your children made a lasting  mark on this community and on the lives they touched,” Simon said. 

“Your memories of them will continue to shine brightly through this dark time.” 

Eby closed the vigil by speaking about the future of the community and its students. He promised none of the children would be forced to return to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, stating a different location would be found for the students to attend. 

“We know better days will come, but tonight we remember,” Eby said. 

Following the speeches, attendees placed candles at the steps of the town hall in remembrance of those lost. 

As of February 12th, drop-in mental health services through Northern Health are available to the community for the week, as well as a shuttle from Tumbler Ridge to Dawson Creek via Chetwynd.

The health authority has also temporarily expanded the hours and services of the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre. Until March 6th, the health centre will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., including statutory holidays. 

Mental health supports and resources are also available through a variety of options:

• B.C.’s mental health line at 310‑6789 .
• Suicide Crisis Helpline on 9-8-8 (call or text).
• Bereavement and grief support line at 1-877-779-2223.
• Kids Help Phone, available by texting ‘connect’ to 686868.
• Kuu‑us Crisis Line at 1‑800‑588‑8717 for culturally-aware support for Indigenous people.
• Northern Health virtual and community mental health services at 1-844-645-7811.