Manitoulin Island First Nation Home Stay Order

Content of the article

WIIKWEMIKOONG — Schools are closed today in Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island as a containment order remains in effect as police continue to search for someone they believe to be « armed and dangerous. »

Content of the article

In a signed letter posted online Tuesday evening, Chief Rachel Manitowabi of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory says the council has approved a recommendation from the Wiikwemkoong School Board to give all students a mental health day as police investigate enters a second day.

Content of the article

Schools were placed on ‘hold and secure’ on Tuesday out of an abundance of caution based on advice from the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service, but the council later deemed the situation safe enough to dismiss all pupils for the day.

The Ontario Provincial Police issued an emergency alert Tuesday afternoon asking First Nation residents to stay indoors, lock all doors and windows, and notify police of anyone suspicious.

The OPP said on Tuesday they were looking for Luke Naokeegijig, 39, who is described as a six-foot-one man of medium build, with long black hair, brown eyes and a mustache, last seen wearing a black jeans and a camouflage sweater.

In a post on the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service Facebook page on Tuesday, Chief Scott Cooper said the person sought by the OPP does not pose a threat to the public and that he was advised to community to take shelter as a « safety and precautionary measure ».

Provincial police have not said why they believe the suspect is dangerous.