Saskatchewan RCMP say the victims of a quadruple homicide on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation on Tuesday are believed to have been targeted.
“We are able to confirm is that the victims are two adult males and two adult females,” RCMP said Wednesday afternoon.
RCMP Inspector Ashley St. Germaine spoke to media Wednesday, saying the victims’ identities are not confirmed at this time but they are working with the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service.
“We know that when these unimaginable tragedies happen, it can be easy to speculate and spread rumors, particularly in this age of social media,” St. Germaine told reporters.
“I’d like to remind the public that the families of the victims have suffered an incredible loss, and I ask you to be mindful of the grief that they’re experiencing.”

The Mounties also provided an update on a firearm incident that took place on Zagime Anishinabek.
Overnight Tuesday, Regina police arrested 29-year-old Keagan Panipekeesick at a residence on Mathieu Crescent in Regina.
The arrest came after reports about a man pointing a gun at people on Zagime Anishinabek, formerly known as the Sakimay First Nation.
Panipekeesick has been charged with one count of pointing a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm contrary to order.

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Two other individuals were also taken into custody at the residence. Officers continue to investigate their involvement, if any, with the firearm-pointing incident.
“At this time, investigators are examining into whether the firearm-pointing incident and the homicides are connected. We are unable to confirm a link at this time,” RCMP said.
When asked about why a dangerous persons alert was not sent out Tuesday, RCMP say they did not believe there was an immediate risk to public safety.
“We know when tragedies such as these homicides occur, there is a lot of fear and alarm felt in the communities,” St. Germaine said.
“We want to assure residents that, at this time, we do not believe there’s an elevated risk to public safety in relation to these incidents.”
Carry the Kettle resident Krysten Saulteaux is at shock of the situation but says she is doing the best she can to cope.
“I honestly don’t even know what to say… I work in the prevention office there so it’s really close to home,” she said. “There are a lot of families affected. Our whole nation is affected.”
While the situation is tragic for her and so many others, the support from neighbouring communities has been extremely helpful.
“I really appreciate all the thoughts and the prayers and everybody reaching out to our community right now,” Saulteaux said. “This is my home. This is where I work and it’s hard for our families out there.”
“You can tell how strong our community is by the way we are coming together as a nation right now.”
Carry the Kettle Chief Scott Eashappie took to social media Wednesday to provide an update on the situation.
“We have had many leads yesterday morning and still ongoing this a.m. to the tragedy that has occurred in our homes, I want to say thank you to all those that have brought forward some closure to what has happened,” his post reads.
“We currently have four people with no confirmation of names as the crime scene is still ongoing, the next of kin will be notified,” Eashappie added.
RCMP said there will be a continued increased police presence on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation.
Eashappie’s social media post also outlines some healing spaces for people to come together.
“We currently have our nation hall open to our nation and supports for everyone to please come and sit and visit with each other. Hall will be open with food and drinks hot coffee for the next three days so please come down. Prayers, smudge available.
“Sweat will take place today at our uncle Kurt Ryder’s house for anyone that would like to come starting at 4 p.m.”
The youth centre will also be open Wednesday and the next three days from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. for anyone who wants to bring kids to play.
“We will be having a four-day healing fire for our nation to honour those that we have lost,” Eashappie said.
“Our security will be full force till further notice and we ask everyone to please be patient when passing through for the safety of our members.”
Tribal Chief Jeremy Fourhorns with the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC) also took to social media to express great sadness for the community.
“Our hearts are burdened with grief as we mourn the loss of precious lives in the tragic and heartbreaking events that have unfolded within Carry the Kettle. We stand in solidarity with Chief Scott Eashappie, the leadership, and the families affected by this devastating loss,” Fourhorns said.
“On behalf of FHQTC, I extend our most profound condolences to the families, loved ones, and the entire Carry the Kettle community. Words cannot fully express the pain that comes with such a tragedy, but please know that you are not alone in your sorrow. We grieve with you, and we send our prayers of strength, healing, and unity as you navigate these difficult days ahead.”
With files from The Canadian Press’ Jeremy Simes
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