RCMP are said to be maintaining a presence at Island First Nation following the death

RCMP officers will maintain a presence in the Ditidaht First Nation in the coming days following a death and arrest.

Ditidaht councilor Judi Thomas issued a statement Saturday morning urging members of the Ditidaht First Nation to stay indoors and keep their windows closed while RCMP officers mobilized in the community.

RCMP media spokesman Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said in a statement that Lake Cowichan RCMP were called at 7 a.m. Saturday to a Ditidaht First Nations residence where officers found a deceased man.

Other units, including the emergency response team, were called to assist “due to the current situation,” the statement said.

The team is generally used for arrest warrants for serious crimes, hostage rescues and evacuations, protection tasks, breaking through blockades and fortresses, and for operations on barricaded, armed persons.

An adult male was later arrested with the help of the emergency response team without further incident, she said.

Saunderson initially said police were on scene near Lake Cowichan on Saturday for a “situation that allegedly involved a weapon.”

Police believe this was an isolated incident and there is no further threat to the public.

The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit has been assigned to investigate the death.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m., Ditidaht councilor Judi Thomas issued a statement saying RCMP had the situation “under control” but would continue to remain in the community in the coming days.

Thomas said the families involved in the incident asked for “gentleness and kindness as we search for the truth together.”

No names of those involved are being released at this time, Thomas said.

“Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones affected by this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

Members of the nation were invited to meet for dinner at their community center near Lake Nitinaht on Saturday.

Thomas said community health support services will be available in the coming days from various agencies, including Tsow-tun-le-lum, the First Nations Health Authority and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council.

The country's visitor center and store near Lake Nitinaht were closed on Saturday.

An annual general meeting of the nation that was scheduled to take place in Port Alberni on Saturday has been canceled.

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