Following an early morning shooting on Big Island Lake Cree Nation, one individual has lost their life, and the Saskatchewan RCMP are actively seeking two armed individuals involved in the incident.
Larry Wahpistikwan shared with CBC News that his son, Neil, was the victim of the fatal shooting that occurred on Tuesday morning in northwestern Saskatchewan near the Alberta border.
Recalling the tragic event, Wahpistikwan expressed, “We had just returned from the round dance at Moon Lake and were preparing to rest when my brother informed me that my son had been shot. They took his life.”
Despite attempts by the Mounties present to administer CPR, Neil Wahpistikwan could not be saved. Multiple other individuals were also shot and subsequently hospitalized, according to Wahpistikwan.
While the RCMP confirmed one fatality and three injuries resulting from the shooting on the First Nation, they have not disclosed the victims’ identities or provided specifics about the injuries sustained by the three wounded individuals.
The two armed assailants, last seen riding an ATV, continue to be at large, as reported by the RCMP.
During a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Saskatchewan RCMP Insp. Ashley St. Germaine stated that the shooting is believed to be an isolated occurrence. Authorities have mobilized resources from various regions across the province to aid in the apprehension of the two armed suspects.
“We are actively monitoring the situation,” mentioned St. Germaine.
Following a dangerous person alert issued by the RCMP just after 8 a.m. CT on Tuesday, the community was placed under lockdown. Residents of Big Island Lake, situated approximately 320 kilometers northwest of Saskatoon, were advised to secure their locations and lock their doors.
The lockdown was lifted before 5 p.m., with the RCMP stating that there is no longer an immediate threat to public safety. Nevertheless, no arrests have been made as per the police.
Saskatchewan RCMP provided a Tuesday afternoon update on the search for two armed suspects on Big Island Lake Cree Nation following the shooting incident that prompted a community lockdown.
Geoffrey Sandfly, the band manager of Big Island Lake Cree Nation, emphasized the community’s efforts to provide support to those affected by the tragedy, calling for mental health assistance.
“We are working closely with the impacted families and ensuring their well-being. Currently, we have staff on standby to assist any families experiencing shock or fear,” Sandfly mentioned during an interview on Tuesday afternoon.
However, Sandfly highlighted the insufficient funding allocated to safety and security within the First