Suspect teased about ears,

LA LOCHE, SASK. • They teased him about his ears.

The 17- year- old charged with fatally shooting four and wounding several others was bullied relentlessly, according to multiple relatives, friends and classmates interviewed.

The alleged shooter is a large, very sensitive and quiet teen, Perry Herman, who knew the accused’s family, and other La Loche residents said. He was taunted frequently about his large ears.

According to three sources who were inside the building at the time of the killings, the teen dared people to tease him about his ears.

The t een passed over more than one student who had treated him with kindness.

“Oh no, not you bro,” he apparently said before moving on.

There was profound sadness expressed by La Loche residents at the candlelight vigils.

There is, however, very little obvious anger directed at the accused.

“We need to learn from this or it will happen again,” said Herman, who has his own story of being bullied as a gay youth — and says he considered lashing out violently.

Archbishop Murray Chatlain said everyone should ask what role they can play.

“There has been some cutting back of programs these last couple of years that has had a direct effect on our schools and people of La Loche. I think those things need to be revisited. Our cuts sometimes end up costing more,” Chatlain said following a packed mass at Our Lady of Visitation Roman Catholic Church Sunday morning.

When asked if he thinks the cuts played a role in the tragedy, Chatlain said: “It’s a possibility. There are many factors at play. That could be part of it.”

Premier Brad Wall, federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde, Metis National Council President Clem Chartier and others met with local leaders Sunday afternoon.

Following the meeting, Wall said the provincial government has increased support to northern communities in several ways, but added: “We probably do need to do more.”

Some locals were unhappy they were not allowed to attend the meeting of the national leaders.

“Are they doing anything? Is the premier going to talk to us? Local people should hear what they’re saying,” said Bobby Montgrand.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to visit La Loche soon.