A shooting on the Big Island Lake Cree Nation in northern Saskatchewan early Tuesday morning has left one person dead and three others injured, prompting an ongoing police manhunt for two armed suspects. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have issued a province-wide dangerous persons alert, warning residents the suspects are armed and dangerous.
Timeline of the Incident and Police Response
Pierceland RCMP received a report of a shooting at approximately 6 a.m. on December 30, 2025. Officers responded immediately to the scene on the First Nation, located approximately 390 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon between Pierceland and Goodsoil.
By 8:30 a.m., the Saskatchewan RCMP had issued a dangerous persons alert. The initial alert stated two individuals were last seen on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) with a gun in the area. In an update around 11:15 a.m., police confirmed the tragic outcome: one person had been found deceased and three others were injured.
Formal identification of the deceased is pending with the Saskatchewan Coroners Service. Police have not released specific details about the victims' injuries or how many required hospital treatment.
Ongoing Manhunt and Community Lockdown
The dangerous persons alert remains active as of Tuesday afternoon. RCMP are actively searching for the two suspects and have warned the public not to approach them under any circumstances.
"Residents in the Big Island Lake Cree Nation and surrounding areas should find a safe location and stay there. Lock all doors," the RCMP release instructs. Police are also urging people not to travel to the area and not to share police locations on social media, instead calling 911 with any tips.
In response to the incident, Big Island Lake Cree Nation and seven area health centres have been placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.
Official Statements and Investigation
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe addressed the situation on social media, stating his government was aware of the shooting. "Our thoughts are with the community and all those affected," Moe posted on X. He also thanked first responders for their efforts "under difficult and evolving circumstances."
The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes unit is leading the investigation. A key focus for investigators is determining whether the shooting was a random act or a targeted attack. The RCMP scheduled a news conference for 3 p.m. Tuesday to provide further updates.
The RCMP continues to urge anyone with information to contact their local detachment or 911 immediately, and to avoid the specified area for their own safety.
