The Chief of Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation, Kele Antoine, expressed the profound impact of a recent shooting incident in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., where one individual sustained injuries. Antoine emphasized the tight-knit nature of the small community, highlighting how such incidents reverberate across families. He urged community members with any information about the shooting to step forward, emphasizing the collaborative effort needed beyond law enforcement.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to the incident following a call around 1:40 a.m., discovering a wounded individual in a home’s backyard. The injured person received initial treatment at the local health center before being transferred to Yellowknife for further medical care. RCMP described the shooting as targeted and disclosed an ongoing investigation with support from Yellowknife RCMP and other units, assuring the public of no immediate threat.

While Antoine suggested a possible drug-related motive for the shooting, RCMP has not confirmed this assertion. He also stressed the essential requirement for sustained funding and resources for local RCMP to effectively combat violence in the community, emphasizing the need for consistent efforts to address the drug trade and prevent future violent incidents.