Man, 2 children dead after shooting in Kitigan Zibi

WARNING: This story contains references to violence against children and suicide.

A man and two children are dead after what police are calling a suspected murder-suicide in Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg early Wednesday.

Provincial and community police say they were called to a home on Kichi Mikan in the western Quebec Algonquin First Nation around 2:05 a.m.

Kitigan Zibi’s police director Paul McDougall said police found three people with serious injuries after being shot: a man and his two children ages 10 and 12.

One person was pronounced dead at the scene and two others were taken to hospital and later died, according to Sûreté du Québec (SQ). The provincial police force is assisting in the investigation.

McDougall said police believe a father shot his two children.

About 1,200 people were living in Kitigan Zibi as of the 2021 census. The community is just south of Maniwaki, Que., about 100 kilometres north of Ottawa-Gatineau.

Quebec Premier François Legault and First Nations relations minister Ian Lafrenière offered their support to the community on social media, with Legault saying in French he’s deeply shaken by what happened.

Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, the MP for Gatineau, spoke to reporters about the incident on Parliament Hill Wednesday morning.

“My thoughts go out to the chief and all the members of the community,” MacKinnon said. “To lose two children is just an unbelievable thing.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, here’s where to look for help:

If you’re worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them about it, says the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Here are some warning signs: 

• Suicidal thoughts.
• Substance use.
• Purposelessness.
• Anxiety.
• Feeling trapped.
• Hopelessness and helplessness.
• Withdrawal.
• Anger.
• Recklessness.
• Mood changes.