Dominic Ahenakew is escorted by two deputy sherriffs as he leaves Court of King's Bench in Prince Albert. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

‘I hope one day they can forgive me’: shooting incident at Ahtahkakoop results in 10-year prison sentence

Apr 28, 2025 | 4:29 PM

Fearing reprisal and expressing a desire to access enhanced programing, a man responsible for shooting another man in the head, has asked to serve his 10-year prison sentence out-of-province.

The case of Dominic Chase Ahenakew, 32, was dealt with Monday afternoon at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert. With credit for time spent on remand, he has roughly 7.5 years left to serve.

Last December, guilty pleas were entered to discharging a firearm at a person with intent to wound, and having possession of a firearm while prohibited from doing so.

The case itself dates back to August 2023 at Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation when the victim went to buy drugs from Ahenakew. During the exchange, Ahenakew asked the victim for help towing a vehicle parked at a neighbour’s house.

An argument occurred and that’s when Ahenakew pulled out a gun.

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“Do you think I’m joking,” he was overheard saying before pulling the trigger.

The victim was air lifted by STARS air ambulance to hospital in Saskatoon and suffered a skull fracture. Noting the man has since been discharged, Crown Prosecutor Cara Merasty noted he suffers from anxiety and continues to rely on medication. He’s also has trouble holding a job, and according to his family, is not the same enthusiastic person he once was.

While stating the sentence is on the higher end of the scale for offences of this nature, Merasty cited Ahenakew’s extensive and violent criminal record. She also noted the community has expressed fear of his drug use.

In turn, defence lawyer Mike Nolan noted a troubled childhood that included extensive abuse and being alone at a young age.

He added while that doesn’t excuse Ahenakew’s actions, it’s also important to note the factors that contributed to him becoming the man he is. He then added Ahenakew has expressed a desire to change and is looking forward to getting some meaningful programming.

When given the opportunity to speak, Ahenakew stood in the prisoner’s box and apologized to both the victim and the victim’s family.

“I hope one day they can forgive me,” he said.

In addition to the prison sentence, Ahenakew is also prohibited for life from owning or possessing any firearms or explosives. A recommendation will also be made to Correctional Service Canada he serve his sentence out of province.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell