Lockdown in Cree Nation of Mistissini after 2 dead

The Cree Nation of Mistissini, located in the James Bay region of Quebec, is under a lockdown notice Thursday morning after two men were fatally shot in the community.

In a statement posted on social media, the leader of the community, Chief Michael Petawabano, asked residents to stay indoors.

Schools and all community buildings, offices and facilities are closed and travel in and out of the community is restricted.

Residents were told to keep their doors locked and follow instructions from law enforcement officers.

Sûreté du Québec (SQ) spokesperson Hughes Beaulieu said 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.

Beaulieu confirmed the two men were from the community and said investigators believe the homicides could be linked to organized crime.

Beaulieu could not say when the lockdown order would be lifted, saying it was a measure put in place by community officials.

Petawabano expressed his condolences in the statement posted at 6:40 a.m. on Thursday.

“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.