The Cree Nation of Mistissini, located approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Quebec City, has ended a lockdown following a double shooting incident resulting in two fatalities.
Identified as Bedabin Neeposh, aged 30, and 29-year-old Daniel Benac, both residents of Mistissini, the deceased were confirmed by the Quebec coroner’s office. Chief Michael Petawabano of the community stated that while the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement has assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to safety.
Expressing gratitude for the community’s patience and cooperation during the challenging period, Chief Petawabano issued a statement via social media. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) spokesperson, Hugues Beaulieu, mentioned that the homicides might be tied to organized crime but assured that there is no active threat to the community and that the incident appears isolated.
Previously, Chief Petawabano had mandated the closure of schools, community buildings, and travel restrictions, urging residents to maintain locked doors and adhere to law enforcement directives. The SQ reported the shooting occurred at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, with officers discovering two men in their thirties with gunshot wounds in a vehicle.
No suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made at this time. Chief Petawabano, though declining interviews, conveyed condolences through social media, expressing sorrow for the lives lost and the impacted families.
Quebec Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière and Cindy Woodhouse, National Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, also offered support and condolences to the community. Woodhouse urged compliance with Chief Petawabano’s directives and extended sympathies to those affected by the tragedy, emphasizing unity during this challenging period.
Mistissini, with a population of approximately 4,000, is situated on the south shore of Lake Mistassini.