For Immediate Release
February 10, 2023
Cold Lake First Nations Resident Dies in Officer Involved Shooting
It is with deep sadness that we inform our members of the tragic altercation between a resident of Cold Lake First Nations and the Cold Lake RCMP. In the early hours of Saturday, February 4, 2023, the RCMP were called to a disturbance occurring at a residence on Cold Lake First Nations (CLFNS). During the altercation a Police Officer discharged his weapon causing a fatal wound. Shortly after, a male non-member, residing on CLFNS was pronounced dead on the scene.
Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is preparing an investigation. They are a third-party agency from the Government of Alberta that investigates all serious incidents that cause injury or death by police. The RCMP has committed to cooperating fully with this investigation. The RCMP are also aware of the pain this event has caused in our community. The truth of what happened will come out and we know it may take months to get the answers we all want. We will push for a public fatality inquiry to get to the truth. In the meantime, the RCMP has committed to continue working with the community and will respond when called upon.
We ask all mainstream media to respect the family and our affiliated member of our nation, it is very traumatic time and please give the family their privacy to process this tragedy.
Anger, fear, and hurt are widespread, but we need peace on our Nation, we need to grieve and begin to heal.
Cold Lake First Nations Chief and Council send their love, thoughts and prayers to the deceased persons family and will follow up on the investigation.
If anyone requires mental health support, please contact Mental Wellness at:
780-594-1471 or 1-855-242-3310.
For more Information, please contact:
Cold Lake First Nations
Rick Janvier, Band Administrator
780-594-7183
Download the PDF here: Statement On Officer Involved Shooting