A Learning Process

Conference held to help survivors better understand residential-school settlements

Hundreds of people gathered Friday to learn more about residential-school settlements

SASKATOON -- Anger, sadness and confusion were met with a glimpse of understanding on Friday at a conference for former Indian residential school students.

  The event, which was organized by the Saskatoon Interagency Survivor Support Team (SISST), attracted a crowd of more than 200 to the Saskatoon Indian and Metis Friendship Centre on Friday. Former students, families and community members came and went throughout the day to attend sessions.

  Topics included the recently received common experience payments (CEP), the next step in the process of settlement called the independent assessment process (IAP) and money management issues.

  Although much of the discussion surrounded financial planning and the IAP, nearly every speaker touched on the process of healing for former students. Many of the survivors wept and escaped to a designated "safe room," which was staffed by support workers to help them deal with trauma induced by the discussions.       See An ongoing process / A3

Gov't urged to address wildlife at garbage dumps

REGINA -- The provincial government needs to act with urgency to deal with issues around northern garbage dumps and wildlife, says the lawyer for the family of a man who was the first recorded fatality from a wolf attack in the North American wilderness.

  A senior Environment Ministry official said this week the government had accepted all of the recommendations from the coroner's inquest into the

Nov. 2005 death of Kenton Carnegie in northern Saskatchewan.

  Among the jury's recommendations for the province last November was the need to establish safety standards at garbage dumps where predatory animals such as wolves and bears are found, including mention of fencing, security and fines for violators.

  Dave Phillips, Environment's assistant deputy minister, said Thursday the province had struck a committee with NewNorth, the organization of northern municipalities, to develop new standards to reduce the risk from predators at northern dump sites.

  He said the government is treating the matter seriously although there is no one-size fits-all solution for each dump frequented by wildlife.

Neighbourhood redevelopment hinges on school demolition

SASKATOON -- Heritage advocates hoping to save St. Mary Community School from the wrecking ball will likely have to be satisfied with preserving a few features and bricks.

  More than likely the old building is going to come down to make room for a neighbourhood revitalization project, which will see a new St. Mary school built across the street in Pleasant Hill, says a city official. Plans for the new school include incorporating features of the old one.

  Committee member Margaret Hendry spoke of the history of the castle-type building, which was constructed in 1913 as the first Catholic elementary school in the city. She also noted, in a written brief to the committee, its famous alumni and its varied role in the community -- as a library branch and Normal School (for educating teachers).

  Ultimately, the decision to demolish rests with the Greater Saskatoon Catholic school division, which owns the building, Wallace said. The division has sought ideas for an adaptive re-use, "but they have received no proposals other than one idea from Quint Development, which doesn't have any real plan -- no timeline, no financial details," he said.

          See Historic School May be Demolished / E3

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City Police seek man on sex assault charges

SASKATOON -- Police are asking for the public's help in locating a man wanted for sexually assaulting a minor in the city.

  A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Lonny Ritzo, 61, who faces charges of sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touch and threats to cause death or bodily harm.

  The crimes are alleged to have taken place between 2001 and 2002, while Ritzo lived in Saskatoon.

  "Anytime the police are involved in a case -- especially a case of this nature -- where there has been a minor involved and in the context that the allegation has been made, we have a very deep concern for the safety of any other minors who may be around this person," said Const. Carolyn Wensley.

  The investigation has been ongoing for a least a year, she said, and a warrant for his arrest was issued in October.

  "He is no longer residing in Saskatchewan and I just can't comment on whether that's because he's aware of the investigation or that's his own decision," Wensley said, adding Ritzo left the province in 2006 and police suspect he's residing in the United States.

  Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Saskatoon Police Service or Crime Stoppers.