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The family of a man killed on Big Island Lake Cree Nation say they’re struggling with shock as they try to understand why someone would have shot him.
RCMP have confirmed one person died in a Tuesday morning shooting on the First Nation, about 320 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, and three others were injured.
While police did not release the identities of any of the victims, Larry Wahpistikwan has confirmed his son, Neil, was the person who was fatally shot.
“I was shocked when I heard it,” he told CBC on Tuesday, saying he went to the scene of the shooting and saw police officers attempting CPR on his son.
“I had to be strong when I went there, but I couldn’t hold myself,” he said.
“I have a big family from Meadow Lake, and a lot of people are calling me, texting me,” said Wahpistikwan. “My family, they’re hurt right now, just like what I’m hurting.”
Larry Wahipistikwan describes what unfolded on Big Island Lake Cree Nation Tuesday morning. His son, Neil Wahpistikwan, was shot and killed.
Big Island Lake Cree Nation was placed under lockdown for most of the day after the shooting.
RCMP said two assailants, who were armed with a gun, were last seen riding an ATV. While no arrests had been made, RCMP lifted the lockdown just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, saying they no longer believe there is “an imminent risk to public safety.”
Larry’s brother Gary Wahpistikwan said he heard several gunshots outside his home, as he was in bed at home. He and his brother had just gotten home from a round dance around 5 a.m., he said.
He said at first he didn’t believe the shots were real, but then he heard someone knocking at his door.
“When I opened the door, two girls were standing in the doorway, and one boy was laying on the steps. He got shot in the back,” he said.
“And they said they got shot, and Neil’s laying on the road and he might be unconscious.”
Gary Wahpistikwan describes what unfolded on Big Island Lake Cree Nation Tuesday morning. His nephew, Neil Wahpistikwan, was shot and killed.
Gary then ran back inside to call his brother, who quickly drove over to the scene of the shooting, where they found police conducting CPR on Neil.
He and the other three victims were then taken to hospital.
“Those girls were crying, saying a side-by-side drove by, turned around, and they said something about Neil and then they shot him,” said Gary. “And that other boy too got shot.”
The brothers said they don’t know who was behind the shooting, or what their motive might have been. One of the other victims was another nephew of Gary’s, he said.
Neil was “an outgoing guy,” said Gary.
“My family showed up here and we joked around, then they joked around with him lots,” he said.
“All he does is laugh. Laugh at me and when I fool around with him.”
