On February 11, 2026, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization issued a statement of solidarity and condolences addressed to Sandy Bay First Nation and other SCO member communities following a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Grand Chief Jerry Daniels shared condolences for those affected by the February 10 tragedy and urged community members to look after their mental health. “Our hearts are with the families in Tumbler Ridge. We know that when one of our sister communities hurts, we all feel that pain. I urge any of our members who are struggling with this news to reach out for support immediately,” Daniels said in the SCO statement.
The shootings in Tumbler Ridge occurred on February 10 and unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a private residence. The event resulted in ten deaths, including the perpetrator, and more than 25 people were reported injured. While the tragedy occurred in another province, SCO leaders noted that news of this kind can be particularly difficult for people in communities far from urban centres — for example, Sandy Bay First Nation is in Treaty 1 territory about 165 km northwest of Winnipeg.
To help anyone who is feeling upset or overwhelmed, the Hope for Wellness Helpline provides immediate, culturally informed supports. The service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all Indigenous people across Canada. Call 1-855-242-3310 or access online chat at https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/.
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels — whose Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota First Nations, including Sandy Bay — said SCO wants to ensure a safety net is in place for all members. He encouraged anyone struggling with the news to reach out for help so they can access resources for healing and wellness.
