John Thomson was compelled to help after hearing of the mass stabbings on Saskatchewan’s James Smith Cree Nation earlier this month.
“I don’t know how you couldn’t feel something,” he said of the events that unfolded.
The Canadian veteran, who owns a quarter-section of hay land near Penzance, Sask., posted 120 small square bales for sale for $5 each on social media. He said the money would go to the Saskatchewan First Nations Veterans Association to ensure that fellow veteran Earl Burns was properly recognized as a veteran during his funeral.
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Burns, 66, was among the 10 people killed in the stabbing rampage in the early morning hours of Sept. 4. One suspect was also found dead on James Smith, which includes three First Nations. The other died shortly after being taken into police custody along the highway between Rosthern and Hague, Sask. after four days on the run.
“I was making bales the day the alerts came in,” Thomson said. “I thought it would be appropriate to donate.”
Burns served in the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and was the father-in-law of suspect Myles Sanderson. Sanderson had also stabbed him in 2015.
Thomson had previously worked with the SFNVA to help distribute a book, Courageous Warriors of Saskatchewan, to students within the Prairie South School Division. The book highlights 50 indigenous veterans.
Although he didn’t know Burns, Thomson said he could help the family and bring some light to the SFNVA and its work.
He said he received many inquiries from people who wanted to buy individual bales, but he was hoping he could sell the entire lot to one buyer.
“I don’t really want to handle a bunch of third-party donations to the SFNVA,” he said.
He has already forwarded a cheque for $800 to the organization, which includes the projected proceeds from the bales and a personal donation.
Many posted their appreciation of Thomson’s good deed on his Twitter page, including a family member who said, “Uncle Earl and family would definitely appreciate what you’re doing for the SFNVA.”
Family said Burns died protecting his wife and grandchildren. His wife was also injured in the attack that put 18 in hospital, some with critical injuries. On Sept. 9, eight patients were still in hospital, all in stable condition.
