The Cree community of Mistissini in northern Quebec is emerging from a recent lockdown following a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two men in their 30s.
Sgt. Hugues Beaulieu of the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) revealed that the deaths are believed to be connected to organized crime, and there is no longer an active threat to the community.
Nestled alongside Lake Mistassini, Mistissini is a tight-knit community located 600 kilometers northwest of Quebec City.
Chief Michael Petawabano of the Cree Nation of Mistissini initially imposed the lockdown as a safety measure, urging residents to remain indoors and cooperate with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation. However, on Thursday, he announced that the lockdown has been lifted, signaling a return to normalcy for the community.
“We want to express our gratitude to all community members for their patience, cooperation, and resilience throughout this challenging period,” Petawabano stated. “As the lockdown is lifted, we can gradually resume our daily routines while keeping the affected families in our thoughts and standing in unity to support them during this tragic time.”
Despite limited details about the shooting, the Eeyou Eenou Police Force, supported by the SQ, is actively investigating the incident.
During the lockdown, residents were required to remain indoors, resulting in closures of schools, offices, and community spaces, as well as strict travel restrictions.
Now, with the lockdown lifted, community establishments have reopened, travel restrictions have eased, and daily activities can recommence. Residents are advised to verify school and childcare facility reopening schedules. Emergency services are operating normally.
Petawabano extended heartfelt sympathies to those impacted by the violence and emphasized the availability of crisis support services for individuals needing assistance. He encouraged residents to rely on official channels for information, provide relevant details to authorities, and avoid spreading unverified information.
Mistissini, home to approximately 4,000 individuals, lies about 800 kilometers north of Montreal. Police have not specified a timeline for when the confinement will be fully lifted, emphasizing that it will be lifted only when deemed safe to do so by the authorities.
