La Loche marks 10 years since mass shooting in northern Saskatchewan

LA LOCHE — A high school in northern Saskatchewan where a deadly shooting took place was open for the first time in a decade on the anniversary of the tragedy.

Dene High School in La Loche, about 600 kilometres north of Saskatoon, held a ceremony Thursday to mark 10 years since the shooting that claimed the lives of four people.

On Jan. 22, 2016, a 17-year-old boy killed two of his cousins — Dayne Fontaine, 17, and Drayden Fontaine, 13 — before going to the school.

He then killed a teacher, Adam Wood, and a teacher’s aide, Marie Janvier, and wounded seven others.

Randan Fontaine pleaded guilty to various counts of first-degree murder, second-degree murder and attempted murder. He was sentenced as an adult to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years.

The school said in a social media post after the ceremony that the gathering was a reminder of the community’s strength and resilience.

“Healing isn’t a destination we reach; it’s a quiet, ongoing journey we walk together,” the school said.

“While some days are heavier than others, we feel so incredibly blessed to never have to walk this path alone.”

Premier Scott Moe said his thoughts are with the survivors as well as the families and friends of those killed.

“Ten years ago, La Loche was shaken by a tragedy that sent shock waves across Saskatchewan and throughout the country,” he said on social media.

“Today, we remember the lives lost and reflect on the healing and resilience that has taken place over the past decade.”

Saskatchewan’s Opposition NDP said its members remember those who died and stand with those who continue to be affected.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, survivors and the entire community of La Loche, who continue to endure pain, hardship, and trauma as a result of this attack,” it said in a statement.

“As we reflect together as a province, we recognize that the consequences of violence extend far beyond its immediate victims, leaving lasting impacts on families, communities and generations.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 22, 2026.