Swift Current mayor expresses sorrow, support for victims of Graham James

Swift Current’s mayor is writing to express sorrow and support for Sheldon Kennedy and other victims of a convicted child predator for the abuse they endured while in the southwest Saskatchewan city.

Jerrod Schafer wrote an editorial in the Globe and Mail addressing the “difficult subject” that faced the city when former hockey coach Graham James was charged and convicted with sexually abusing several former members of the Swift Current Broncos.

“On behalf of an entire community, I want to express sincere and absolute sorrow to the victims of Mr. James and their families. Sons were sent here to chase their dreams and should have left Swift Current with the best memories of their lives.” Schafer wrote.

Schafer goes on to write that “too many players (were) left with a lifetime of nightmares” and society needs to change its attitude and “get comfortable dealing with the subject matter so we actually have a chance at improving prevention”.

Speaking with News Talk Radio’s MainStreet on Monday afternoon, Schafer explained why he wrote the editorial.

“I just thought this is a great way to maybe close the chapter on a dark period, when you don’t want to talk about it, and you are ashamed about it, and open the door to a new beginning when we stand beside victims of abuse, and stand beside Sheldon Kennedy and try and take on a leadership role creating some change.”

He said that James’ crimes had a terrible lasting impact on the community, creating shame and judgment from others, and that it’s one of the things the city wants to overcome.

On Friday, Swift Current’s Youth Certification and Safe Places strategy officially launches. It will require a criminal background check of anyone wishing to work with youth. The youth certification will also include training to become better role models, and education on the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination.

“It’s simple – if you don’t want to be youth-certified, either you have something to hide or you aren’t willing to invest in yourself to do a better job of dealing with kids,” Schafer wrote.

Also on Friday, Sheldon Kennedy will be honoured by the city, and the documentary Swift Current, about the abuse Kennedy suffered, will be shown.

Kennedy also joined MainStreet to respond to the editorial. He said it’s not very often something like it comes out.

“There was a lot of shame and guilt from Graham James in Swift. And I think that we need to give and allow the process to move forward. And I think from Jerrod’s piece, that’s what he’s done … It’s really given a voice to the voiceless, and it’s also given an opportunity for individuals that may feel shame or guilt … it gives people an opportunity to move on.”