Loved ones of Montreal Lake Cree Nation woman found dead say she was caring, resilient

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Tanya Roberts was outgoing, caring and never failed to make people laugh, says her friend Dana Henderson — who is now mourning Roberts’ death.

On March 1, Roberts was found severely injured at a Montreal Lake Cree Nation home. After paramedics arrived, they declared her dead at the scene. 

The RCMP said investigators have determined her death was a homicide.

Henderson said Roberts had travelled to Montreal Lake Cree Nation from Prince Albert on Feb. 25 to visit her birth family. The First Nation is about 90 kilometres north of Prince Albert.

“I was the one that brought her,” she said. “I was supposed to take her back on Monday [March 2].”

Roberts had been living in a women’s home prior to her visit and was not permitted to see her family for a period of time due to her mental health, said Henderson.

“She took that hard,” Henderson said. She said before that, Roberts had been travelling to Montreal Lake Cree Nation up to four times a month.

Henderson said Roberts seemed happy on the drive and “talked the whole way,” sharing stories of her family and her plans for the weekend. 

Around 4:30 a.m. CST on March 1, Henderson received a call from her boyfriend that Roberts had died.

“I was in shock, like I couldn’t feel anything. I couldn’t believe it,” she said. 

Dana Henderson, right, met Tanya Roberts in 2009 during her time at Regina’s Ranch Ehrlo Society. (Submitted by Dana Henderson)

Henderson first met Roberts in 2009 during her time at Regina’s Ranch Ehrlo Centre.

“She would kind of like lift our spirits up by doing crazy things,” said Henderson. 

The last conversation

Catherine Beusnel was scrolling though Facebook posts when she came across a picture announcing her foster sister’s death. She said she was in complete disbelief, especially because they had spoken only days before. 

“I owed her $50,” said Beusnel. “And so that was the last conversation I had with, you know, I told her I was going to pay [her] back.”

Beusnel said that summed up the kind of person Roberts was: no matter what situation you’re in with her, she would always help you if you need it. 

Tanya Roberts, pictured, would always offer help, says her foster sister Catherine Buesnel. (Submitted by Dana Henderson)

She recalled a time that a stranger appeared visibly upset, and Roberts walked up and asked if they were OK. 

“She found out that person just lost their parents,” said Beusnel. 

“We basically sat there with that person, and told them we knew what they were going through and that we would help in any way we could.”

Beusnel said the two of them would often talk on video calls over Facebook. She said Roberts seemed happy the last few times they spoke. 

A woman of resilience

Henderson said she wants Roberts to be remembered for her high spirits, sense of humour, outgoingness and her ability to move forward “no matter what situation she was in.”

A funeral service for Roberts was held March 5 at St. Joseph Anglican Church in Montreal Lake Cree Nation. Henderson, who helped to organize the service, said dozens of friends and family came to pay their respects. 

A funeral service for Tanya Roberts was held March 5 at St. Joseph Anglican Church in Montreal Lake Cree Nation. (Submitted by Dana Henderson)

The RCMP’s Homicide Investigation Unit has taken over the investigation. Police said they will provide updates to the case when possible or if there is an imminent risk to the public.

Police are asking anyone with information about Robert’s death to contact them at 310-RCMP or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.