Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation Chief Kele Antoine and several Fort Providence residents on social media have suggested the fatal shooting on the weekend was related to the illegal drug trade.
On Monday afternoon, RCMP confirmed those suspicions, stating in a release they believe the shooting suspect has left the community and likely the territory.
“Today, we send our deepest love, prayers, and strength to the community of Fort Providence,” the Chief stated in a social media post on Saturday.
“Our hearts are with the families affected by the tragic shooting and with the leadership who now face the difficult task of navigating this heartbreaking situation.
“To our own community of Fort Simpson, let this be a hard reminder that drug activity is just as bad — if not worse — right here at home.
“If we don’t start standing together and pushing drug dealers out of our community, it’s only a matter of time before we face the same kind of tragedy.”
A Fort Providence neighbourhood in the summer of 2024. (CKLB files)
Early Saturday morning, RCMP received a report of a shooting at a residence in the Dehcho region community, stated a release.
At approximately 12:45 a.m., officers found one victim deceased and two others injured. They were transported to the health centre for treatment.
While no arrests were immediately made, police believe it was an isolated incident that does not pose a risk to the general public.
The identity of the deceased person has not been released, but there are several posts on social media offering condolences for a young man who was, “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Out of respect for the family and the community, CKLB will only identify the person once identity has been confirmed.
There have been several major drug-related incidents across the South Slave region — and the Sahtu and Beaufort Delta — in recent weeks.
RCMP have made several arrests, after violent incidents involving arson, shooting and other violence.
Leaders in communities such as Hay River, Fort Resolution and Fort Smith have raised the alarm over outsiders arriving to take advantage of those addicted to crack cocaine and other hard drugs.
In fact, one month ago, Yellowknife RCMP announced the largest drug bust in the Northwest Territories’ history, when officers seized $360,000 in cash; and 4.7 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value when broken down for sale of $950,000.
‘Three people from outside the territory were arrested and weapons also seized.
