The House of Commons is due to hold an emergency debate on Monday night after six Indigenous people have been killed by police in the space of two weeks.
Nunavut MP Lori Idlaut requested the debate.
“For decades, Indigenous people have been injured, and even worse, killed, at the hands of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,” Idlaut said in a speech to the House of Commons.
The fatal incidents, which took place between Aug. 29 and Sept. 8, involved officers from the RCMP and municipal police forces across five provinces.
- August 29: A 31-year-old Clearwater River Dene man died after being struck by a Royal Canadian Mounted Police vehicle on Highway 909 between Buffalo Narrows and Turner Lake, Saskatchewan.
- August 30: Hoss Lightning, 15, of the Samson Cree Nation, was shot by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police while calling for help in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.
- Sept. 2: Tammy Bateman, a woman in her 30s from Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, died after being beaten by Winnipeg police in a park.
- Sept. 6: Jason West, 57, was shot and killed by Windsor police.
- September 8: A 31-year-old man from Attakakoop Cree Nation, Saskatchewan, was shot and killed by Royal Canadian Mounted Police responding to a report of an assault.
- September 8: Royal Canadian Mounted Police responding to a call in Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick, shot and killed Stephen “Iggy” Dedham, 34.
The police watchdog is investigating all incidents.
Idlaut said he and the federal NDP called for the debate to discuss measures to save Indigenous lives.
“No more Indigenous children should lose their fathers to the muzzle of RCMP guns. No more sisters should be abducted by the RCMP,” she said in her speech.
“No more Indigenous children should suffer bullet wounds instead of receiving help.”
The emergency debate is scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. ET.
“The barrel is definitely rotten.”
David Millward, an associate professor at the University of Victoria’s law faculty and a member of the Beardies First Nation and Okemasys First Nation in Saskatchewan, said the death shows “it’s not the same as before” when it comes to policing in Canada.
Appearing as an expert witness in a human rights lawsuit against the Royal British Columbia Mounted Police, Millward said the police force was “established as a means to assert colonial control over Western Canada and Indigenous peoples.”
Millward said the recent fatalities only “rub salt” into past wounds. The RCMP “needs more than just fixing a few things, creating some guidelines and hiring a little more diversity,” Millward said.
“Do we have to burn it down completely? Do we start over? I don’t know,” he said.
Millward said he doesn’t like to look at all RCMP officers the same, but said he knows some RCMP officers are working towards positive change.
But, he added, even if there are a few “good apples,” “the barrel is definitely rotten.”
CBC Indigenous asked the RCMP how they plan to build trust with Indigenous communities in the wake of these deaths and what officers are being taught about policing’s history.
“An independent investigator is currently investigating the officers’ actions. As this investigation is ongoing, RCMP comment is limited,” the agency said in an emailed statement.
“The RCMP extends its heartfelt condolences to those affected by this recent tragedy,” the statement said.
“These circumstances are also difficult for our police officers, 911 operators and staff who work tirelessly to serve communities across Canada.
“The RCMP remains committed to transparency and accountability to Canadians, given the extremely challenging circumstances our officers face every day.”
Meeting in Montreal
A vigil in Montreal to remember the six is planned for Sept. 18. While none of those killed between Aug. 29 and Sept. 8 were from Montreal, Nakuset, executive director of the Montreal Indigenous Women’s Shelter, said she wanted to show solidarity with those who are suffering.
“I can keep all of this to myself or I can pray and be in a prayer group and cry for all of those who feel the same way I do,” she said.
Nakuset said he has been working for years to improve relations between police and local Indigenous communities, but is frustrated by the lack of progress.
“I don’t know how to get people’s attention,” she said.
“I feel like if we don’t do something publicly, it gives the Royal Canadian Mounted Police permission to shoot someone else,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nakuset said he was disappointed with leaders for failing to address the issue.
After hearing Idlaut’s motion, she said she appreciated Idlaut’s leadership and looked forward to seeing others do even more.
