A Saskatchewan Conservation Officer conducts a road blockade at Big Island Lake Cree Nation, 392 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon, on Tuesday Dec. 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timothy Matwey

By BattlefordsNOW Staff

POLICING

RCMP still searching for suspects after fatal Big Island Lake shooting

Dec 31, 2025 | 2:37 PM

Saskatchewan RCMP say Major Crimes investigators are still working to identify and locate suspects in a shooting on Big Island Lake Cree Nation that caused one dead and three injured and prompted a dangerous persons alert Tuesday.

No arrests have been made and officers remain in the community, with assistance from the Saskatchewan Protection and Response Team and the Saskatchewan Marshals Service for scene security and extra patrols.

“If a renewed risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public,” the RCMP said in a release issued Wednesday.

Mounties confirmed the deceased victim is a 31-year-old man and have not yet confirmed his identity; however, family have identified him as Neil Wahpistikwan on social media and in a national media interview.

Three other victims remain in hospital with injuries described as serious but non-life-threatening

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The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

Police say the dangerous persons alert was issued at about 8:23 a.m. Tuesday after officers determined there was a public safety risk in Big Island Lake and surrounding areas. It was cancelled at approximately 4:49 p.m.

“Public safety decisions are never taken lightly,” said Insp. Ashley St. Germaine of the RCMP Major Crimes Branch.

READ MORE: ‘We’re actively monitoring’: RCMP lift dangerous persons alert after deadly Big Island Lake shooting

She said factors considered in cancelling the alert included the amount of time that had passed, that the incident appeared contained to one location, and that no additional victims were found. She added the alert remains cancelled because “there were no other incidents overnight,” and police continue to monitor risk to the public.

Big Island Lake Cree Nation Chief David Sandfly said the community is grieving.

“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy in our community,” he said.

“Keeping Big Island Lake Cree Nation safe takes all of us working together. When you share what you know with police, you help keep our community safe. Our leadership urges anyone with information about this shooting to contact RCMP immediately – even the smallest detail could make a difference.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to report it to police by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

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