Boy, 17, fatally shot by RCMP in Norway House early Friday

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This article was published 22/11/2024 (323 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RCMP fatally shot a 17-year-old boy they said was armed “with an edged weapon” in Norway House Cree Nation early Friday.

Police received a call for help from a home on Niska View in the community, also known as Kinosew Sipi Cree Nation, at about 1:43 a.m. A resident said a male was high, agitated and armed, and officers found the teen outside. He refused “numerous orders to drop the weapon” and advanced towards officers, RCMP said in a news release. An RCMP officer then shot him.

Officers gave the teen medical aid until emergency crews arrived. He was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

At least six people have been fatally shot by police officers in Manitoba this year. Three incidents involved the RCMP, and three involved the Winnipeg Police Service.

“It is with profound sadness that we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the young community member who tragically lost their life. This event has deeply affected our community, especially with the recent loss of a young woman,” Norway House’s chief and council said in a statement posted online, referring to the slaying of a 23-year-old victim earlier this month.

“These incidents have brought immense grief to our nation.”

Norway House said its government is considering declaring a state of emergency because of drugs and violence in the community and has established a team to address the issue. This team will include the director of policing, the health director and legal counsel.

Norway House said it has reached out to Indigenous Services Canada and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak to discuss providing the community more resources immediately. The MKO’s mobile crisis unit has been sent to Norway House.

The First Nation’s government said it wants “to assure the community that we are committed to holding the RCMP publicly accountable for their actions. We will take all necessary steps to ensure justice occurs and to support the families affected by these tragedies.”

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba asked witnesses or anyone who has information or video related to Friday’s incident to call the IIU toll-free at 1-844-667-6060.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca