Portapique family offers message of hope and healing to Tumbler Ridge

Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, who lost relatives in the 2020 Portapique attacks, issued a statement offering sympathy and support to Tumbler Ridge after a school shooting that killed eight people; she urged people to hold their loved ones tight and lean on those around them.

A member of a Portapique victims' family has reached out to Tumbler Ridge after a recent school shooting in northeastern British Columbia. Tammy Oliver-McCurdie lost close relatives in the 2020 Portapique attacks and released a statement expressing sympathy to the people of Tumbler Ridge. She spoke about the lasting emotional toll of such events and urged people to lean on family, friends, community and church. Local grief professionals and a Nova Scotia MP also commented on the long-term nature of bereavement and the importance of respectful support. Known details: - Tammy Oliver-McCurdie lost her sister, brother-in-law and niece in the 2020 Portapique mass killings and issued a public message to Tumbler Ridge after this week's school shooting. - The Tumbler Ridge incident killed eight people, described in reports as mostly children, and police say the alleged 18-year-old shooter died by suicide. - Social worker Serena Lewis and MP Alana Hirtle spoke about shock, the later work of grief, and how support often continues after initial condolences. Summary: The Portapique family's message links two provinces and underscores that the psychological effects of such tragedies can extend far beyond the place where they occur. Many relatives and local helpers described grief as a long process and highlighted ongoing connections between communities. Undetermined at this time.