Residents in Fort Smith are urged to come together and utilize mental health support services in the wake of a community-wide shelter-in-place directive, according to local resident Mildred Martin.
The town of approximately 2,000 individuals was placed under a shelter-in-place mandate for over 13 hours following a shooting incident that left three people injured early Saturday in the N.W.T. community.
Martin highlighted the importance of mental health professionals in providing assistance to those affected by such events, emphasizing the impact it can have on individuals. Upon receiving the shelter-in-place alert at 3 a.m., Martin took immediate steps to secure her residence, expressing feelings of unease and prioritizing safety.
During the lockdown, Martin kept her eight-year-old grandson occupied with activities like reading and using electronic devices to divert his attention from the situation. She mentioned that the past shooting incident in 2022 had also left a lasting impression on her grandson, causing concern and fear.
Reflecting on the community’s reaction to the recent shooting, Martin acknowledged that many residents were still grappling with the aftermath of the 2022 incident, leading to lingering feelings of insecurity. She expressed gratitude towards the responders involved in managing the current situation, emphasizing their dedication and hard work.
Meanwhile, the shooting occurred towards the end of Fort Smith’s Fireweed Festival, a local music event, shocking attendees like Tawna Brown, who had traveled from Yellowknife to participate. Brown, who had been camping in Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park since Thursday, expressed disbelief upon receiving the shelter-in-place notification and communicated with loved ones before taking necessary precautions.
Following the lifting of the lockdown later on Saturday, the Fireweed Festival is set to resume its activities as scheduled for the remainder of the weekend. Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the shooting incident and have assured the community of heightened police presence for safety purposes.