Lockdown Lifted in Northern Quebec First Nation as Police Investigate Double Murder

A Sûreté du Québec police car is seen in Montreal in a file photo. The Canadian Press/Paul Chiasson

A lockdown of the Cree Nation of Mistissini in the James Bay region of Quebec has been lifted as police continue to investigate a fatal double shooting thought to be connected to organized crime.

The First Nation’s chief, Michael Petawabano, said the investigation into the incident is still in progress, but the Eeyou Eenou Police Force and Sûreté du Québec had determined “there is no continued threat to public safety.”

“I want to thank our community members for their patience, cooperation, and resilience during this difficult time,” Petawabano said in a Jan. 29 Facebook post. “The lockdown has been lifted, and we can begin to return to our daily routines.”

Sûreté du Québec Sgt. Hugues Beaulieu said two local men in their 30s were shot inside a vehicle at approximately 9 p.m. on Jan. 28 and the deaths may be linked to organized crime.

An alert was issued late on Jan. 28 saying that local police had authorized a community-wide lockdown “due to an active gun shooter who remains at large.”

Beaulieu said there is no longer an active shooter at large and investigators remain on site in the community of 4,000 residents located some 600 kilometres northwest of Quebec City.

The First Nation posted an advisory on social media early this morning asking residents to stay inside their homes with doors locked as police conducted an investigation into the incident.

Petawabano said the First Nation had closed all schools, community buildings, offices and public facilities and travel in and out of the community was restricted.

The chief could not be reached for comment. He expressed condolences in an updated advisory issued just before 11 a.m.

“Our hearts remain with the families, and we continue to stand together as a community in support of those affected by this tragedy,” Petawabano said.

Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière said in a Jan. 29 X post that he had spoken to Petawabano to offer his full support.

“We are wholeheartedly with the community,” he wrote in French. “The Sûreté du Québec is currently conducting an investigation that will shed full light on the events.”

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse expressed her concern for the community in a social media post.

“I am shocked and saddened by the tragic situation in the Cree Nation of Mistissini,” she said on X. “I pray for the safety of all those in the community. I extend my sincere condolences & prayers for all those directly affected by this tragedy and for all the people of Mistissini.”

Ottawa Police also offered words of condolence.

“The Ottawa Police Service is deeply saddened by the tragic events in the Cree Nation of Mistissini,” the police force wrote on X. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, and the entire community during this difficult time.”

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.