Father Recounts Grief After Son Killed in Big Island Lake Cree Nation Shooting

On December 30, 2025, Neil Wahpistikwan, 24, was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting on Big Island Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan, approximately 320 kilometers northwest of Saskatoon. RCMP confirmed the incident occurred around 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, resulting in one death and three injuries. Two armed assailants were seen fleeing on an ATV. Larry Wahpistikwan, Neil's father, described finding police performing CPR on his son at the scene. Neil's uncle, Gary Wahpistikwan, recounted hearing gunshots and discovering victims, including another nephew, at his doorstep. The First Nation was under lockdown for most of the day. No arrests have been made. Neil was described by family as an outgoing, humorous young man. RCMP lifted the lockdown after determining there was no longer an imminent risk to public safety.