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Mistissini cabin fire kills 5 in northern Quebec

The Cree community of Mistissini in northern Quebec is mourning the deaths of five people in a cabin fire, with tributes pouring in on social media.

Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come names men who died, describes community's loss as 'unfathomable'

CBC News ·
Chiiwetin Coonishish was among five hunters from Mistissini killed in a cabin fire in northern Quebec. (Facebook)

The Cree community of Mistissini in northern Quebec is mourning the deaths of five men in a cabin fire.

The men were on a hunting trip north of the town, according to Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come of the Grand Council of the Crees.

In a statement, Coon Come gave the men's names as:

  • David Jimiken.
  • Emmett Coonishish.
  • Chiiwetin Coonishish.
  • Kevin Loon.
  • Charlie Gunner. 
Charlie Gunner was among the five men who died in the fire, according to the head of the Grand Council of the Crees. (Facebook)
The community with a population of about 3,400, is 785 kilometres north of Montreal and home to the Cree Nation of Mistissini. 

A snowmobiler came across the burned cabin Wednesday afternoon near Lake Bussy, according to Quebec provincial police, although when the fire occurred isn't clear.

Sgt. Claude Denis said police used a search plane to locate the cabin in a remote stretch of wilderness about 300 kilometres north of Chibougamau.

Investigators arrived at the scene around 10 a.m. ET on Thursday. The cottage was destroyed in the fire, Denis said.

"At a time of such unfathomable loss, we can only express our deepest sympathies to the families, and pray that the knowledge of the full support of the entire Cree Nation will help in some way in providing comfort and easing the terrible pain they are suffering," Coon Come said. 

"May their memories be a blessing and a source of sustenance as we collectively come to terms with this frightful occurrence."

Denis said a helicopter has left the scene with the remains of the five individuals and autopsies will be conducted in the next few days.

He said freezing rain caused officers to leave the scene because of difficult flying conditions, but as soon as the weather permits, they will go back to continue the investigation. 

The cabin was destroyed by fire. (Sûreté du Québec)

Tributes also poured in on social media.

A message posted on a Facebook page for Mistissini youth remembered Chiiwetin Coonishish as being passionate about his culture, as well as a good hunter who "respected the land."

Gunner was awarded a Medal of Bravery by the Governor General in 2013.

Premier Philippe Couillard, who was in Quebec City on Thursday, also offered his condolences to the community.

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