Bomb Scare at Beardy's & Okemasis' Cree Nation
On September 15, 2026, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Rosthern RCMP were notified of a suspected explosive device located at a business on Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation (BOCN).
Rosthern RCMP began investigating and engaged the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) to assist. BOCN indicated on social media that Bradly Jim was instrumental in the community’s safety by taking the discovery of the device seriously, utilizing his training to evacuate Dodgies Convenience Store and ensuring no one was injured in the process.
BOCN Emergency Management’s post on social media Tuesday evening shared, “We are aware of and responding to an active bomb threat at Dodgie’s Convenience Store. …Please stay away from the immediate area of Dodgies until notified it is safe to proceed. Our Emergency Services, alongside the RCMP, have created a secure perimeter. The bomb squad is currently en route. Stay indoors and away from the immediate area.”
Traffic was redirected away from the area, and nearby residents were also advised to evacuate.
At 11:51 pm, BOCN posted an update on its Facebook page that the Explosive Disposal Unit had arrived on scene, and an immediate Shelter in Place had been issued.
Nearly two hours later, another post was made to BOCN’s Facebook page.
“As of 1:45 am, we have been given the ALL CLEAR from the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit.
We can confirm that the RCMP detonated a small device that contained no working wiring and could not explode. It could, however, have caused considerable injuries and damage.”
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The RCMP conducted thorough sweeps of every public building and the schools to ensure that there was no additional threat to the community. Their search turned up nothing suspicious.
From a picture a witness shared on social media, the device appeared to have been constructed of a small portable propane cylinder, with attachments made to resemble sticks of dynamite, encircling it.
BOCN Emergency Services and the RCMP are reviewing available surveillance footage. Rosthern RCMP are also requesting any dash cam or surveillance footage that may have captured suspicious activity in the area of Dodgies Convenience Store or elsewhere on BOCN on September 15, 2026.
Rosthern RCMP are continuing to investigate, including work to identify the potential suspect or suspects. Statements made by BOCN indicate that DNA and fingerprints were retrieved from the device. Anyone with information regarding the suspicious item or anyone potentially involved is asked to contact Rosthern RCMP.
Chief Edwin Ananas addressed the incident in a statement on September 16, 2026, saying, “As chief of BOCN, I would like to address last night’s serious and real threat involving a suspected explosive device reported at Dodgies Convenience Store. …an attack (or a threat of an attack) that puts our Nation and people at risk is taken very seriously by leadership. We will ensure that those found responsible will be fully held accountable. As mentioned in previous letters, BOCN has opted for a zero-tolerance approach to crime, disturbances, and illegal activity occurring within the community.”
An Anonymous individual posted a comment on a social media post claiming to be responsible while also making racist remarks. Although the post was deleted before an administrator could attempt to identify the individual, a person who saw it saved a screenshot and shared the image and information with the RCMP.
Anyone with information about the matter is asked to contact the Rosthern RCMP at 306-232-6400
