Navigating Grief Together: Supporting Each Other After the Tragic Events in Tumbler Ridge

Yesterday’s tragic events in Tumbler Ridge have left a deep mark on the community. The shock and sadness ripple through every household, touching adults and children alike. At CINA Association, we want to extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected and offer guidance on how to navigate this difficult time together.

A peaceful street in Tumbler Ridge, symbolizing hope and healing

Understanding the Impact of Trauma on the Community

Tragic events like these affect people in many ways. Adults may feel overwhelmed by grief, fear, or helplessness. Children might struggle to understand what happened and feel unsafe or confused. Recognizing these reactions is the first step toward healing.

• Adults often experience a mix of emotions: sadness, anger, guilt, or numbness. These feelings can affect sleep, appetite, and daily routines.

• Children may show changes in behavior such as increased clinginess, nightmares, or withdrawal. They might ask many questions or express their feelings through play or art.

  
  

It is important to remember that these responses are natural. Everyone processes grief differently, and there is no “right” way to feel.

How to Support Each Other in Times of Grief

Community support plays a crucial role in healing. Children need extra care and understanding after traumatic events. Here are some practical tips for parents, caregivers, and educators to help each other through this difficult time:

• Acknowledge feelings: Our children and youth will look to us for cues on how to process this upsetting information. Acknowledging our own feelings gives children a model for how to express and process their strong emotions. It is normal to experience a range of emotions in response to such unsettling news

• Listen more than you speak: Listen to your child’s concerns before offering any explanations. Give them an opportunity to voice their fears and ask age-appropriate open-ended questions. These conversations will help you understand if your child is coming from a place of curiosity, concern or fear, and will help you gain a sense of what your child may need from adults to feel safe and supported.

• Provide facts: Tell the truth, but do it gently. Give your child facts as long as they are consistent with their stage of development, and keep conversations age-appropriate. Children need to know their concerns and questions are being taken seriously by the adults around them and that they can trust their adults to be truthful with them. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to say so.

• Importance of Routine: Maintaining daily routines can provide a sense of stability and security for children and adults. It can also be important to give children permission to continue to find hope in their daily world.

• Encourage empathy and compassion: Remind your child that there may be others in their daily lives who may be impacted by this tragedy. Talk with your child about how we need to treat others with extra compassion and empathy during times like these. Tragedies and times of sadness and grief can serve as meaningful moments to teach compassion, which can help children feel empowered as they find additional ways to be kind and caring

• Encourage expression through drawing, storytelling, or play. These activities help children process emotions.

• Stay connected through phone calls, messages, or community gatherings. Isolation can deepen grief, so maintaining contact is vital.

• Watch for signs of distress such as changes in sleep, appetite, or behavior. If concerns persist, seek professional support.

• Reassure safety by explaining the steps adults are taking to protect them and the community.

  
  

Finding Professional Help and Resources

Sometimes grief and trauma require support beyond family and friends. It is important to know where to turn for help by reaching out to your school and/or accessing the community supports identified in the following resources.

• Canadian Mental Health Association

• ERASE ( expect respect & a safe education)

• Healthlinkbc: Helping Children with Grief

• Kelty Mental Health

• Learning through Loss

• Foundry Virtual BC - Foundry BC App

CINA Association encourages everyone to reach out if they feel overwhelmed. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Healing as a Community

Healing takes time, and it happens best when people come together. Sharing stories, honoring those affected, and supporting each other rebuilds hope.

The pain from yesterday’s events will not disappear overnight, but together, the community can find strength and healing. At CINA Association, we stand with Tumbler Ridge and all who are grieving. Let us move forward with compassion, care, and a commitment to support each other through this difficult time.