RCMP fatally shoot 17-year-old in northern Manitoba First Nation

A 17-year-old boy is dead after he was shot by an RCMP officer in Norway House Cree Nation on Friday. 

RCMP said officers from the Norway House detachment responded at around 1:45 a.m. to a call for police assistance at a house in the community, about 460 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Manitoba's police watchdog, the Independent Investigation Unit, which has since taken over the investigation, said a resident from the house on Niska View contacted the RCMP and told them the teen was high and armed with a weapon.

Officers were dispatched, and when they arrived at the home, they found the youth outside armed with an edged weapon, RCMP said in a news release Friday. 

Police gave numerous orders to the youth to drop the weapon, but he moved closer to the officers, and one of them discharged their firearm, RCMP said. 

The 17-year-old male from Norway House Cree Nation received medical aid before being transported to a hospital, where he later died. 

Norway House Cree Nation is extending condolences to the family of the teen, saying his death has deeply affected the community, especially as it comes after the death of another member — a 23-year-old woman who was found dead in Norway House last week. 

"These incidents have brought immense grief to our nation," a release from Norway House Cree Nation said. "As leaders of our nation, we assure you that these matters are receiving our highest priority." 

Norway House said they have established a dedicated team to ensure a thorough and independent investigation is conducted in relation to the shooting. 

"We want to assure the community that we are committed to holding the RCMP publicly accountable for their actions," the release said. 

"We will take all necessary steps to ensure justice occurs and to support the families affected by these tragedies." 

The community is also implementing measures to address the broader issues of drugs and violence, adding all options are being considered including the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in Norway House.

The IIU said a team of investigators were deployed after the shooting, and they have asked the Manitoba Police Commission to appoint a civilian monitor.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage that might assist in the investigation is asked to contact Manitoba's police watchdog at 1-844-667-6060.