MLCN leadership responds to shooting incident; community prepares for funeral

An incident last week on Montreal Lake Cree Nation involving a man being shot by the RCMP has traumatized and divided the community, according to a statement from leadership.

Dillon McDonald, 28, was allegedly holding a gun when confronted by officers outside a residence, and appeared very distraught.

A statement Friday night from leadership on the Montreal Lake Cree Nation Inter-agency Facebook group extends condolences to the McDonald and Charles families, while also acknowledging the impact the incident on Dec. 14 has had on the entire community, encouraging those feeling angry, sad or with questions, to reach out to local grief counsellors.

“There are many people standing by watching how we handle this and more importantly we have many young little children learning from our community and watching how the grownups are responding to the incident. Let’s come together and stand by one another during this difficult time,” the statement said.

Leadership also made reference to “many rumours and threats” going around the community regarding the incident Tuesday night and encouraged community members to refrain from any spreading rumours so as to be respectful of the investigation and its integrity.

McDonald’s father also posted a comment Friday and within it described how his son was dealing with immense feelings of grief following the deaths of his mother, sister and, most recently, older brother. Terrance Naytowhow was one of two men found inside a vehicle near Meath Park.

“I just want you all to know my son and many others are great people full of love. The systems are failing them and we as people must do all we can to prevent this from ever happening again! I’ll do whatever I can to get the truth on what transpired … this I promise,” McDonald’s father said.

paNOW has previously made reference to the fact McDonald was on court conditions at the time of the incident, not to be in the community and was instead, as of Dec. 8, supposed to be residing at Stanley Mission with his sister. Chantel McDonald has since explained the family has tried their best to help him.

“He tried to do better, he wanted to be sober for (his daughter) and come home to my house where he was supposed to be living, but no one would help us out or give him a ride,” she said.

McDonald’s family has also explained that despite his struggles, he loved his daughter very much and spent as much time as he could with her. McDonald was Kerrie Ermine’s son-in-law and she confirmed the young girl was her daddy’s princess and his boss.

“He was so tender and showed his baby how much he loved her. He showered her with toys, McDonald’s and munchies every chance he got,” she said.

Ermine went on to explain that if Dillon could, he would have carried his baby all the time.

“Twin souls they were,” she said. “Quiet conversations they shared and giggles of their own jokes and silliness. I’m gonna miss witnessing that from afar.”

The funeral has been scheduled for Tuesday at Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

By Nigel Maxwell, paNOW