Pimicikamak Cree Nation, a remote community about 530 kilometres north of Winnipeg, remained under lockdown on Saturday after a shooting left one person dead and prompted an ongoing homicide probe.
Community told to shelter in place
Chief David Monias issued a video update and written posts in the early hours on Saturday, urging residents to remain indoors with doors and windows locked while police carry out their work. He said the person suspected of firing the shots may be known to the victims and could still be within the community.
“The shooter is still on the loose. We're under lockdown,”
The RCMP’s Major Crimes unit has been called in to lead the investigation. According to a police news release, officers were alerted to a seriously injured person on a main road into the First Nation at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday. When they arrived, they found two people: one with a gunshot wound and another who was not physically hurt.
Police say a 42-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators have not released the victim’s name or other identifying information.
Chief urges vigilance and respect for the family
In subsequent updates, Chief Monias said some residents were not complying with the shelter-in-place direction and reiterated the request that people stay home to allow police to search and to protect families. He asked community members not to open their doors to strangers and to keep children indoors and supervised.
The chief also asked people to refrain from spreading unverified material on social media and to direct any information about the incident to police. He said a body will be coming to the community on Saturday and asked that the family be given privacy; a funeral will be restricted to immediate close relatives.
RCMP investigation ongoing
RCMP confirmed the homicide investigation remains active. Officers from local detachments and the Major Crimes unit are continuing inquiries as they search for the person suspected of discharging a firearm. Police have said the suspect is believed to be known to the victims.
No additional details about the shooting, including any potential motive, have been released by investigators as of Saturday afternoon.
- Location: Pimicikamak Cree Nation, northern Manitoba
- Time police notified: about 9:30 p.m. Friday
- Victim: one person, a 42-year-old man, pronounced dead at the scene
- Investigation: RCMP Major Crimes unit and local officers
- Community action: lockdown; residents told to stay inside and secure homes
Local impact and practical steps for residents
For small, remote communities, a violent incident can quickly unsettle many households. The chief’s call for residents to remain inside is aimed at safeguarding people while police conduct a sensitive investigation. Practical steps for those in the community include:
- Lock all exterior doors and close windows.
- Do not open doors to people you do not recognise, even if they claim to be officials—verify identity first.
- Keep children and vulnerable relatives under supervision and away from exterior doors.
- If you have information about the incident, contact police directly rather than posting unconfirmed rumours online.
Emergency services in remote areas face logistical challenges, including distance to major centres and limited resources. The involvement of the RCMP Major Crimes unit indicates the seriousness of the case and brings specialised investigators to the scene.
Wider context
Pimicikamak Cree Nation leaders cancelled planned Treaty and Indian Days celebrations in the wake of the incident, citing safety and respect for the affected family. The community’s precautions reflect both a need to allow police to complete their work and to shield family and neighbours from further distress.
As the investigation continues, officials have not provided a timeline for when the lockdown might be lifted. Residents and anyone with relevant information are being asked to cooperate with police to help bring clarity and resolution to the case.
Further updates are expected as the RCMP releases more details. NEXO RADAR will follow developments and provide verified information as it becomes available.
