Saskatchewan northern community calls for more frontline resources after young mom killed

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:01]The death of a 21-year-old mother has left the community of Turnor Lake and neighboring Birch Narrows Dene Nation in mourning, one chief says. Please continue to keep this family in our in our community in your hearts in the days ahead. RCMP say officers were called to a home in Turnor Lake about 590 km northwest of Saskatoon after receiving a report of an injured woman. Sheleah Monias was declared dead at the scene while one man was arrested outside the home. 25-year-old Darian Monias now faces five charges including manslaughter. RCMP says it cannot provide details on the relationship between the accused and the victim.

[00:00:43]Following the death, Chief Jonathan Sylvester joined the NDP in calling on the provincial government to address what they say are long-standing requests for more policing and frontline resources in northern communities. We have repeatedly raised concerns about addictions, mental health, and public safety in the north.

[00:01:03]There have been times where we had extremely limited police presence in our communities. Our leaders have also been promised community safety officers and additional supports, and those promises still have not been materialized. The community safety minister says there is a community safety officer position in the area, but it's currently vacant.

[00:01:23]>> They did have an individual hired, but they became injured, and so now it's a matter of the First Nation finding another candidate.

[00:01:31]>> The minister adds the government is open to exploring additional options. Our government's very willing to work with the RCMP, Public Safety Canada, and and our First Nations partners to see what other opportunities are available. On social media, Sheleah Monias' loved ones are remembering her as sweet, charismatic, and having a big heart. As for Darian Monias, his next court appearance is scheduled for June 1st in the law sh. Stacy Hein, CTV News, Saskatoon.