One dead after fatal police shooting in Inukjuak, Que.

One person is dead after being shot by police in Inukjuak, Que., marking the third fatal police shooting in Nunavik in eight months. 

In a statement to CBC News, Quebec's police watchdog, the Bureau des Enquêtes Indépendantes (BEI), said it has launched an independent investigation into the shooting, which occurred Thursday evening.

From its preliminary findings, the BEI said Nunavik police responded to a call about a possible kidnapping.

The BEI said at the scene, a person allegedly approached police with a bladed weapon, and police shot them. The person was reportedly taken to a health centre and pronounced dead. 

The BEI said right now, there are no indications that tasers or pepper spray were used first. 

BEI investigators were  on the scene as of Friday afternoon. The Nunavik Police Service (NPS) said the officers involved are now on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Inukjuak Mayor Bobby Epoo said the community is in mourning, and he is waiting to speak to BEI investigators before commenting further.

He said he hopes police can stop resorting to firearms during confrontations.

In a statement to CBC News, Ian Lafrenière, Quebec's Indigenous Affairs minister, said he's offered his support to the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) and the Makivvik Corporation, and he is continuing to monitor the situation.

Thursday's incident comes after two other fatal police shootings in Nunavik in recent months. Mark R Annanack was killed in Kangiqsualujjuaq two months ago, and in November 2024, Joshua Papigatuk was killed in Salluit, while his brother, Garnet, was seriously injured. 

Following Papigatuk's killing, KRG and Makivvik announced a new public safety committee, tasked with reviewing policing practices, ensuring better accountability and engaging with local community leaders in the region.

The BEI has completed its investigation into the Salluit shooting, and has submitted it to Quebec's Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, which said it's still reviewing the case before deciding whether to lay charges or not. 

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After Annanack's death, KRG passed a resolution calling for a review of police operations and ways to make policing better reflect Inuit culture. KRG has civilian oversight over NPS.

The resolution stated that KRG was working with Makivvik to help it find an auditor, who would report back to the council by fall 2025. 

According to Quebec's Office of Independent Investigations database, this is the 17th police-related death in Nunavik since 2017.