(file photo/meadowlakeNOW)

By Nicole Reis

Waterhen Lake School

RCMP respond to threats with a firearm at Waterhen Lake school

Feb 3, 2020 | 4:29 PM

The principal of a local school is responding to a parent’s complaint after Waweyekisik Educational Center on Waterhen Lake First Nation was placed on hold and secure on Friday.

Meadow Lake RCMP confirmed the arrest of two female youth who were taken into custody at the Meadow Lake Detachment after the incident.

“On Jan 31, Meadow Lake RCMP received the report of uttering threats with a firearm at a grade school, grades K to 12, on the Waterhen Lake First Nation,” Jessica Cantos, RCMP spokesperson told meadowlakeNOW.

“Both were charged with uttering threats and carrying a concealed a weapon among other outstanding charges,” she said. “Officers received no reports of injuries and the investigation is still ongoing.”

Cantos added schools make the decision whether a lockdown or hold and secure is in place based on RCMP consultation.

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The officer said hold and secure is when procedures are enacted when an emergency situation occurs outside, not directly related to the school but in close proximity to the school. Procedures include locking and monitoring all exterior doors. Classes resume as usual though no one is able to leave the building until the hold and secure protocol has been lifted.

Lockdown is enacted when there is a threat of violence within the school or in relation to the school.

Meanwhile, principal Dr. Islam Konok said he is responsible for nearly 250 students and a hold and secure order was taken seriously after students complained of the accused making threats with the weapon on social media. The school was secured for an hour and a half.

“As we were getting a lot of calls from parents about the lockdown, we didn’t have much information about the weapon, we had early dismissals so parents could connect with the students,” he said.

A family member of the accused took to social media complaining the school made no effort to contact the family after the child was arrested.

“[A relative] of the accused works at the school. RCMP advised they were going to inform the parents. This was circumstantial,” Konok said.

The principal advised the school is equipped with counsellors and elders should students need support.

One of the accused is due in court Feb 4 and the other, March 2.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722