The James Smith Cree Nation has introduced a new emergency alert system led by Indigenous people, utilizing the FirstAlerts feature on the Talking Stick app, developed by Ottawa-based TryCycle Data Systems.

Chief Wally Burns announced the feature, which comes after a tragic stabbing incident that occurred in the community almost eighteen months ago, resulting in 11 deaths and 17 injuries. The James Smith Cree Nation is situated 58 kilometers east of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

The Talking Stick app was created in partnership with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and allows for peer-to-peer Indigenous support in Saskatchewan. This platform enables First Nations leaders to issue alerts for missing persons, natural disasters, and public safety emergencies.

According to Chief Burns, this initiative empowers the community by giving them control over their safety after feeling underserved by the traditional emergency alert system. By using FirstAlerts through the Talking Stick app, they aim to create a safer environment following such a tragic event.

James Smith Cree Nation is at the forefront of implementing FirstAlerts in Saskatchewan, enabling direct alert distribution to members via the Talking Stick app. CEO John MacBeth from TryCycle Data Systems emphasizes that people often rely on social media platforms like Facebook for safety instructions and alerts about various incidents, showing the necessity for an alternative solution like FirstAlerts.

TryCycle Data Systems is committed to bringing the FirstAlerts system to more First Nations communities and is prepared to expand its reach beyond its current scope.