Alert lifted, suspects still sought in Saskatchewan First Nation shooting: RCMP

A Saskatchewan First Nation is currently on lockdown as the RCMP search for two armed suspects following a shooting near Big Island Lake Cree Nation

A dangerous person alert for two suspects wanted in a deadly shooting in a Saskatchewan First Nation was lifted Tuesday, but Mounties say they are still on the hunt for those responsible.

The alert was in effect for nearly eight hours Tuesday after one person was killed and three others injured in the shooting in Big Island Lake Cree Nation, 392 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon.

“At this time, investigators believe there is no longer an imminent risk to public safety. Residents can return to normal activity,” RCMP said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

“No arrests have been made. The suspects remain outstanding.”

Mounties had warned residents in an area that stretched from Meadow Lake, Sask., to Bonnyville, Alta., to find a safe location and lock their doors. The Saskatchewan government said seven health centres in the area were also locked down.

The alert was issued just before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, less than two hours after the shooting was reported, RCMP have said.

Earlier in the day, RCMP Insp. Ashley St. Germaine said the suspects were last seen riding an all-terrain vehicle, but authorities have not provided a more detailed description.

St. Germaine also declined to confirm the identity of the person killed in the shooting, but said the RCMP was working with the Saskatchewan Coroners Service to confirm their identity.

“We are aware the name of the deceased has been shared on social media,” she said at a news conference. “Nonetheless, we cannot share the identity of the deceased at this time due to our responsibility to follow the Privacy Act.”

St. Germaine said three people were “injured by gunshot,” but RCMP did not have more details about their injuries or how many people in total required hospital treatment.

Investigators believe, she added, that the shooting happened in an outside location and was contained to one area in the First Nation.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said the government was aware of the shooting and thanked first responders for their efforts “under difficult and evolving circumstances.”

“Our thoughts are with the community and all those affected,” he said on social media.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 30, 2025

Daniela Germano, The Canadian Press