Sask. RCMP discouraging vigilantism against animals after boy’s death on Ochapowace Nation

(Courtesy: ochapowace.com)

An Indigenous community in southern Saskatchewan is in mourning and RCMP are investigating after an incident resulted in the death of a child over the weekend.

In a statement issued late Sunday afternoon, the Saskatchewan RCMP confirmed its officers are investigating after a boy’s body was discovered on Ochapowace Nation Saturday night.

According to the service, the victim left a home in the community at around 5 p.m. on Dec. 20, with the intention of travelling to another home in the area. At around 8 p.m., his body was discovered several hundred metres from the home he set off from.

At this time, the boy’s death is not considered suspicious. The service made sure to note that the cause of death is not yet confirmed, as an autopsy must be performed.

The statement also urged residents not to seek “vigilante action” against animals, referring to local conversations claiming the boy was fatally mauled by animals.

“We understand there is conversation happening locally and at this time the RCMP cannot confirm whether or not the boy’s death was the result of an animal mauling, if weather or another element was a factor,” the statement read.

“The RCMP is asking the public to refrain from any vigilante action towards animals. Pending autopsy results, the appropriate authorities will determine next steps, if any, to mitigate any concerns.”

The service concluded by stating that no other identifying details of the boy will be shared.

“The RCMP offers our deepest condolences to the boy’s family and the community at large during this very difficult time,” the service added.

Ochapowace Nation Chief Shelly Bear was among the first to share the tragic news Sunday morning. In her statement to social media, she offered condolences to the victim’s family.

“On behalf of the kaksiwew-ochapwace Nation, I extend our deepest condolences to the family during this heartbreaking time. Our hearts are with them as they grieve the tragic loss of a young boy whose life was beginning.”

In the statement, Bear called the boy’s death a “horrific incident” and went on to thank emergency personnel, peacekeepers and a justice coordinator who had responded to the scene.

In a separate message posted to social media, the Whitewood Fire Department shared its condolences, identifying the victim as a 12-year-old boy.

“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and community who are grieving an unimaginable loss,” the post read. “… We recognize the pain being carried by so many and the long road that lies ahead for those most affected.”

Ochapowace Nation is located approximately 180 kilometres east of Regina.