Sask RCMP Major Crimes investigate discovery of human remains

On May 3, 2023, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Pierceland RCMP received the report of human remains located near a residence on the Big Island Lake Cree Territory.

Pierceland RCMP responded immediately and requested assistance from the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes, who has taken carriage of the investigation.

With assistance from the North Battleford RCMP Forensic Identification Services, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, local Search and Rescue Teams, and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, the human remains were recovered for further investigation. An RCMP Forensic Anthropologist has been engaged to assist with identifying the remains. A forensic autopsy has been scheduled to take place at a later date.

Officers initiated a ground search of the area and did not locate any additional remains. There will be an increased police presence in the area as the investigation continues.

Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes have notified families of missing persons in the area of the discovery.

As the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, there is no further information we can provide at this time.