RCMP investigate ground anomalies in Pine Creek First Nation
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/10/2022 (1222 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Manitoba RCMP have launched an investigation into ground anomalies detected in Pine Creek First Nation that could potentially be linked to crime.
The anomalies were detected by a private contractor hired by Pine Creek First Nation, located 281 kilometres north of Brandon, a Friday press release from the RCMP said.
A meeting to discuss the anomalies and the potential role of police in the investigation was held at Manitoba RCMP headquarters in Winnipeg between senior RCMP officers and representatives from Pine Creek on Aug. 15. During the meeting, police heard concerns that ground anomalies detached beneath a church in the community were possibly “criminal related.”
RCMP are investigating several ground anomalies beneath a church in Pine Creek First Nation to determine whether or not they are criminal in nature. (File)
“In addition, it was shared that elders and community members have additional knowledge and information in relation to these anomalies,” the release stated.
The meeting concluded with a formal request from community leadership for the RCMP to investigate the ground anomalies detected beneath the church.
According to the release, the investigation into the anomalies will be done in “close collaboration” with the community.
On Thursday, officers with the RCMP’s Major Crimes Services and members of the local detachment in Pine Creek participated in a feast and community forum at the First Nation to share more details of their investigation. During the forum, officers explained how the investigation will unfold and also sought input from attendees to ensure the cultural needs of the community are met.
Officers informed those in attendance on how they will work with community delegates to “promote and foster greater trust and transparency.” In addition, a community liaison officer has been identified to work with the First Nation and RCMP.
The next step for the officers is to begin collecting information about the anomalies, identify witnesses and begin to conduct interviews.
“A trauma-informed approach will be used throughout the investigation,” the press release said.
As the investigation continues, Pine Creek First Nation Chief Derek Nepinak said in the release that his community has ventured down a pathway toward identifying and sharing their “difficult truth.”
“In this effort, we are looking at establishing relationships of respect and collaboration but [are] ever mindful of the difficulties we have survived through.”
It is the RCMP’s responsibility to ensure that a thorough, methodical and culturally sensitive investigation takes place, said Supt. Rob Lasson, officer in charge of Manitoba RCMP’s Major Crimes Services.
“It is the RCMP’s role to collect evidence in order to provide the answers sought by the community.”
The Sun contacted RCMP media relations to request an interview with Lasson, but didn’t immediately hear back by press time. Pine Creek First Nation didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, either.
» mleybourne@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @miraleybourne