On February 10, nine lives were lost. Dozens were injured. Countless more lives have been forever changed. A complicated grief has descended. 

In the community of Tumbler Ridge, this week’s unimaginable tragedy has impacted all of us. While the world arrived on their doorstep and waited for news, those in the community strengthened their hold on one another and began the love labour of looking inward to care for their families, friends, and neighbours.

I have lived the majority of my life in a small town in BC, and I understand the powerful pulse that drives the heartbeat of our communities, and the complexities and depth of the ties that bind us together. There is comfort in knowing that the connections in Tumbler Ridge run deep, and that the community will continue to find strength in their unity as they navigate the days and weeks and years ahead.

Like many of you, I have been brought to tears reflecting upon what our colleagues, their staff, teachers, and students experienced. I have considered the indelible courage of the educators and staff in the schools, and the resolution of the students who listened and put their trust in those adults. We have heard how the Principal of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School moved deliberately through the school hallways directing staff and students to fully lock down. Each of us can envision how she would be moving through the school, and the weight she carried. We have heard how the Principal of Tumbler Ridge Elementary School and their staff kept students secure for hours with the notification to shelter in place. We all want to reach out, but may realize we cannot yet move beyond the tears to find the words that fit.  

I have thought about how an unbearable incident like this can shake our sense of security, and our confidence in how we travel through our day-to-day lives. I also understand the belief and trust that school districts and staff have in their building leaders, and this is where we find hope.  

There is no question that the way we live life in our schools will feel different going forward. Yet our leadership and our relationships will continue to be reinforced by shared experience, fortified by the certainty that everything we do as leaders in our schools matters. 

And, you matter. The days, weeks, and months ahead may feel challenging. Your students and school communities may struggle to move forward. The weight of grief can be immeasurable, and you will not be immune to the sadness that arises when lives have been lost. It will be important for you to stay connected, to call a friend, to share your thoughts. The BCPVPA is here for you, whether it’s a question about resources or pathways, a request for guidance, or help with traversing the health system to find what you need. This conversation will be ongoing, and we want to hear from you, whenever you are ready. Let us know how we can help.

Together,

Dr. Shannon Behan
sbehan@bcpvpa.bc.ca

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