Article content

LANIGAN, Sask. — RCMP say a hazing in Lanigan, Saskatchewan, involved teens being hit with hockey sticks — one badly enough to cause muscle damage.

Nine teens and two 18-year-olds face 39 charges including assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Eleven youths charged in alleged high-school hazing in Saskatchewan Back to video

The Saskatchewan high school sent a letter to parents warning them about hazing before a party that has led to criminal charges.

The letter from Lanigan Central High School, east of Saskatoon, says hazing is a form of abuse and hitting someone with a paddle is assault.

It also urges parents to research Rehtaeh Parsons, who hanged herself after being bullied, and Amanda Todd, who committed suicide after being bullied and sexually exploited online.

In a followup letter, the school says it’s saddened and shocked by the stories coming from the community about the party.

“Even though that event happened outside of school hours, the fallout has come to the school,” writes Marc Danylchuk, director of education for the Horizon School Division.

“All of our students deserve support to move through the effects of this event.”

The letter also says: “Our goal needs to be the complete elimination of such behaviour in the future. Please take the time to educate yourselves regarding hazing in order that you can make a strong stand for yourself and your family against any type of hazing activities. How can we work together to ensure there is no longer initiation activities and parties?”