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The Cree Nation of Mistissini, located roughly 600 kilometres northwest of Quebec City, has lifted a lockdown notice put in place after two men were fatally shot.
The Quebec coroner’s office confirmed the two men who died were Bedabin Neeposh, 30, and 29-year-old Daniel Benac, both from Mistissini.
The leader of the community, Chief Michael Petawabano, said the investigation into the incident is ongoing, but law enforcement had determined “there is no continued threat to public safety.”
“I want to thank our community members for their patience, co-operation and resilience during this difficult time,” he said in a statement posted to social media shortly after 11 a.m. ET.
Sûreté du Québec (SQ) spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu said investigators believe the homicides could be linked to organized crime.
“I want to reassure the population, there is no active shooter wandering around the community,” he said, adding it appears to be an isolated incident.
The Cree Nation of Mistissini in northern Quebec has lifted a lockdown notice put in place after two men were fatally shot. The leader of the community, Chief Michael Petawabano, says the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Earlier Thursday, Petawabano had ordered the closure of all schools and community buildings, offices and facilities and restricted travel in and out of the community.
Residents were told to keep their doors locked and follow instructions from law enforcement officers.
According to the SQ, the shooting happened on Wednesday at around 9 p.m.
Beaulieu said officers with the local Eeyou Eenou Police Force responded to reports of shots fired in the community and discovered two men in their 30s with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle.
“They were brought to the dispensary where, unfortunately, they were declared dead,” he said, adding there are no suspects at this time and no arrests have been made.
Petawabano, who declined an interview request, expressed his condolences in an earlier statement on social media.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief for the lives lost and the families affected by this tragedy,” the statement reads.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives. The entire Cree Nation stands together during this difficult time.”
Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière said in a social media post that he has spoken to Petawabano, and offered his full support.
“We are wholeheartedly with the community,” he wrote on X in French.
Cindy Woodhouse, National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, also took to social media to express her concern.
“I am shocked and saddened by the tragic situation in the Cree Nation of Mistissini,” she wrote. “I pray for the safety of all those in the community and urge everyone to follow the direction from Chief Petawabano.”
She also extended her condolences to those affected by the tragedy and the community at large.
“We stand with you,” she said.
Situated on the southern shore of Lake Mistassini, the community has a population of around 4,000.
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