Update at 1:30 p.m: The New Frontiers School Board has lifted the »shelter in place ». The investigation is still ongoing on the Kahnawake Peacekeepers’ side. They are investigating a threat posted on social media earlier today. Schools in Kahnawake are on lockdown.
Translation Amanda Bennett
New Frontiers School Board elementary schools in Châteauguay, Billings High School, and the Nova Training Center have also been placed on lockdown.
In a statement released shortly before noon, the Peacekeepers said they had taken appropriate measures and were taking the situation seriously. “At no time was there a direct threat to our school or any public building,” they said.
Before noon, the New Frontiers School Board posted on its Facebook page that “due to a situation in our neighboring community, our elementary schools in Châteauguay, HSB, the Nova center, and the school board offices areare in a precautionary “shelter in place.”
According to the New Frontiers School Board, a precautionary ‘Shelter in Place’ is used when there is no direct threat inside a school, but something happening nearby. Students and staff stay inside the building and continue normal activities as much as possible. A ‘Lockdown’ is used when there is a direct threat inside or near the school. Doors are locked, lights off, and students and staff stay hidden and quiet.
The Châteauguay Police Department is working with the Peacekeepers and is searching for the suspect in this case. In a press release, the police department stated that “at this time, there is no evidence to suggest that schools in the Châteauguay area were targeted by the threats on social media.”
Ryan Montour, the band council Chief responsible for public safety issues, asked the community to remain calm. “We have full confidence in the work of the Peacekeepers, who are doing everything in their power to resolve the situation,” he said. He reminded the public not to attempt to intervene personally. Any relevant information can be reported to the Peacekeepers at 450-632-6505.
