News

Long Point First Nation Chief and Council have issued a Public Memo regarding the recent incident in the community and the ongoing investigation.

To ensure transparency and accuracy, community members are encouraged to read the full Public Memo, as issued by Chief and Council below:

Kwe Kakinwawigak Anicinabek,

Long Point First Nation Council is writing to the community to provide clarity, reassurance, and transparency following the incident that occurred in the community during the night of February 3, 2026.

We recognize that this incident left many community members feeling frightened, shaken, and uncertain. Council wants to clearly state that your safety is our top priority, and that Council is actively taking steps at the local, regional, and provincial levels to address this situation.

Status of the Investigation
According to the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), an investigation is currently ongoing. The SQ has indicated that no one was injured during the incident, and that, based on their current assessment, there is no indication of an immediate threat to the public.

Investigators have received conflicting information, including reports of a possible firearm discharge and other accounts suggesting the sound may have been caused by a firecracker. The Sûreté du Québec has indicated that there are no traces of bullet holes visibly seen in the residence. Given the differing accounts, the SQ is seeking community cooperation to fully establish what occurred.

Council has been informed that investigators are having difficulty identifying and confirming key witnesses. Without information from those who may have seen or heard something, it becomes extremely difficult to reach clear conclusions, causing misinformation to be spread.

Council Actions and Advocacy
Since becoming aware of the incident, Long Point First Nation Council has taken the following actions:
Maintained direct communication with the Sûreté du Québec to stay informed of the investigation and to advocate for community safety.
Formally contacted the Quebec Minister of Public Security Ian Lafrenière, demanding increased police presence in Winneway to support reassurance and visibility.
Reached out to Mr. Daniel Bernard, MNA, and ensured that the situation was relayed directly to the Quebec Premier François Legault.
Continued discussions and efforts toward re-establishing our own community policing capacity, recognizing that long-term safety requires Indigenous-led anicinabek solutions.

Council wants the community to know that this matter is being treated with seriousness and urgency, and that Council is using every available channel to ensure the situation is not ignored.

Community Cooperation Is Essential
Council strongly encourages anyone who witnessed the incident, heard something unusual, or has relevant information to come forward. Accountability and justice are only possible when information is shared.

We understand that fear may prevent some people from speaking openly. For that reason, information can be shared anonymously through the SQ Criminal Information Centre:

📞 1-800-659-4264

If investigators come to your door and individuals choose not to participate, the investigation is delayed and maintains an atmosphere of unanswered questions and ongoing fear.

Support for Trauma and Wellness
Council recognizes that this incident has had a real emotional impact on community members. In response, Long Point First Nation has contacted CISSS-AT to ensure that professional support is available for those experiencing stress, anxiety, or trauma related to this event.

Community members who wish to speak with Psychotherapist Brandy Labine or to set up an appointment are encouraged to contact the clinic at:

📞 819-722-2440

Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Moving Forward Together
Council acknowledges that challenges related to violence and safety are affecting many communities across Turtle Island. However, our strength lies in unity, resilience, and collective responsibility.

By working together—supporting the investigation, caring for one another, and standing firm as a community—we send a clear message that harm will not be tolerated in our community.

Council remains committed to transparency, advocacy, and action. Council members remain available to community members at the office or by phone at 819-722-2441. Further updates will be shared as information becomes available.

Meegwetch for your trust, your courage, and your continued support.

Chief and Council
Long Point First Nation

👉 The complete memo is available on the LPFN Communications, our official communications Facebook page.

Further updates will be shared through official LPFN communication channels as information becomes available.