As police continue their investigation into the January 28 shooting in Mistissini that claimed two lives, many questions remain for community members. The two 17-year-old boys arrested January 30 in connection with the incident are both local residents.
“We want to reassure the public that we are taking every step necessary to maintain safety in Mistissini,” said Chief Michael Petawabano following the arrests. “We are asking everyone to check in on their families, friends and neighbours. Now is the time to stand together and support one another.”
Chief Petawabano and Council members met with public safety officers and frontline workers, stating their priority is “to ensure that all community members feel safe, supported and calm.” The community is seeking additional mental health resources and encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to connect with family, friends and support resources.
The double murder happened around 9pm January 28. With initial reports of “an active gun shooter who remains at large,” a lockdown order closed all schools, community buildings and facilities, and restricted travel in and out of the community. The lockdown was lifted the next morning.
Two male victims, 30-year-old Bedabin Neeposh and 29-year-old Daniel Benac, were found in a bullet-riddled car following multiple reports of gunshots. As the two teens arrested by a tactical unit two days later are minors, no identifying information can be disclosed under Canadian law.
The suspects appeared in court on January 31 to face charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They were remanded in custody and the investigation is ongoing. SQ spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu said the shootings were targeted and suggest a connection to organized crime.
Some community members criticized perceived insensitivity in media coverage. For example, a Reuters article added generalized commentary suggesting increased violence and poverty in First Nations.
“When assumptions are made or a narrative is pushed to make a story sound more exciting in order to gain attention, the families living this tragedy are deeply hurt,” shared Tiffany Benac. “Our loved ones, regardless of any life choices they made, were loved unconditionally. I would have given my last breath for my nephew, whom I loved with all my heart and soul.”
A candlelight vigil for Neeposh and Benac was held February 1 to support the families who lost their loved ones. Youth Pastor Gordon Iserhoff led the gathering in prayer. In partnership with local churches, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team also offered emotional and spiritual support.
On behalf of the recently established Men’s Eeyou-Eenou Istchee Regional Association (MEEIRA), Albert St-Pierre acknowledged the pain, shock and disruption across the Cree Nation. Asserting that “violence is not who we are,” MEEIRA extended “its deepest compassion, prayers and unwavering support” to the people of Mistissini.
Adding to the tension, the community issued an alert February 9 about a social media post that allegedly targeted Mistissini’s Voyageur Memorial School. After confirming that the post originated in western Canada and had no relation to Mistissini, police reminded people to “exercise exceptional care” when sharing on social media.
Two weeks after the shooting, Eeyou Eenou Police Force (EEPF) director Shannon Nakogee said the motive remains unclear. Officers arriving on the crime scene found a challenging situation, with initial reports suggesting gunshots occurring in different locations.
“We didn’t know what we were facing,” Nakogee told the Nation. “We were canvassing the crime scene but also responding to other gunshot calls coming in. It was good information from the community that led us to make arrests.”
With nobody apprehended in the shooting’s immediate aftermath, all EEPF investigators were deployed, in addition to the SQ homicide team. As law enforcement examined all leads, community members were asked for patience and to not interfere with search efforts.
“We had a delicate situation, so we had to be careful what information we were putting out there,” explained Nakogee. “We didn’t want to let anybody who was implicated to know where we were at. Once arrests needed to be made, we called in the SQ’s SWAT team to ensure the arrests could be made safely. Nobody was harmed.”
As normalcy gradually returned to Mistissini, the Cree Nation Government shared in the relief that the suspects are now in custody and affirmed that “the people of Eeyou Istchee are courageous, they are built to lend a helping hand, and they are resilient.”
Anyone with information to share is asked to contact EEPF’s Mistissini detachment at 418-923-3317 or report anonymously at 1-833-343-7847. The Wichihíwâuwin team is also available to provide mental health support with Cree speakers available upon request, toll-free at 1-833-632-4357.
“I’d like to express gratitude to the people who provided crucial information and the teams from both police organizations,” said Nakogee. “I feel for the families impacted. Mistissini was once my home and the people impacted were ones I knew so it was a difficult one.”