Home of woman alleging abuse at Christian school is vandalized, catches fire

A Saskatchewan woman who has been instrumental in revealing allegations of abuse at Christian schools in the province has been displaced from her home, along with her family, after a series of suspicious events.

In a social media post shared on Monday, Caitlin Erickson said she had to move her family from their home because of damage to their security system and a Bible verse spray painted on their house. Because of this incident, Erickson said she decided to have her family stay elsewhere.

The alleged vandalism took place on Nov. 10.

In her post, Erickson said the RCMP notified her that her house suffered significant fire damage the next day. Nobody was injured in the fire, she said, but a pet snake, geckos, and a hamster were killed.

On Monday, Erickson tweeted: “Hey Twitter fam. I am going to not be as active on social media for awhile as the kids and I navigate this. Kiddos and I are in a safe place and they are all in pretty good spirits considering.”

The tweet included a screenshot from a different social media platform, describing more details about the incidents.

In an email to battlefordsNOW, the Saskatchewan RCMP confirmed many of the details. According to Blaine Lake RCMP, officers received a report of vandalism at a home on Nov. 10. The vandalism included graffiti, a break-in, and damage to electronic equipment.

At approximately 10:30 p.m. on Friday, the RCMP said officers received a report of suspicious activity at the same home. Responding officers noticed there had been a fire inside the home, and the RCMP had local fire services check the home to ensure there was nobody inside.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is investigating the fire, and the RCMP asked anybody with information about the vandalism to contact them. Police said they’re not able to comment on whether any potential link exists between the incidents.

Erickson said she and other students who attended Mile Two Church and Legacy Christian Academy (previously Saskatoon Christian Centre and Christian Centre Academy) experienced sexual, physical and emotional abuse during their time as students. Erickson is part of a lawsuit against the Christian school over allegations of abuse.

More recently, Erickson has drawn attention to the curriculum of some Christian schools in Saskatchewan, suggesting parts of it are out of date and not based on science.

Erickson’s sister Julia has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to support the family. As of Tuesday afternoon, close to $14,000 has been raised. The goal is $50,000. In the GoFundMe description, Julia Erickson said Caitlin’s family is safe, but they lost everything.

“Thankfully, she and the children in her care are safe as they were not at home during the time of the fire. However, all of their belongings have been lost,” the post read.

After reading Caitlin’s post on social media, many supporters are drawing a connection between her criticism of Christian schools and the damage to her home. Others delivered words of support.

Dr. Dennis Kendel said: “I am so saddened to learn of these horrible threats to your safety & the safety of your family. I hope the RCMP will identify and charge the persons responsible. Stay in a safe place.”