Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
The chief of a southern Alberta First Nation is demanding a thorough, transparent investigation into the death of an Indigenous man in police custody.
Blood Tribe Chief Roy Fox says the death of Jon Wells on September 17 after an altercation with police at a Calgary hotel brought back memories of a public inquiry in the 1980s that “underscored the cultural gap” between his community and the police.
The investigation saw the Blood Tribe speak out against an increasing number of unexplained deaths affecting indigenous people.
“It’s disheartening that we again find ourselves in a similar situation and are dealing with these issues once again,” Fox said in a recent online video statement.
“We will file a formal complaint against the three officers involved in Mr Wells’ death and will demand a thorough and transparent investigation.”
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the death. The police watchdog has said officers were called to a disturbance at the Carriage House Hotel and Conference Centre.
Wells looked stunned when an officer told him to leave. The agency said he raised his hands and began to walk out, telling police, “I don’t want to die.”
He was tackled to the ground after he resisted an officer trying to grab him, and was then punched in the head, restrained and subdued, ASIRT said.
He was found unresponsive by emergency crews and pronounced dead a short time later.
“At no point during the interaction was the man identified, and he was never told he was being detained or arrested,” ASIRT said last week.
A spokesperson for the police has said that the three officers involved have been put on normal 30-day leave.
Fox said the Blood Tribe contacted Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and the chair of the Calgary police commission and both shared concerns about the death.
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He said he was hopeful that similar deaths would not occur in the future.
“Hopefully… other incidents across Canada will lessen the pain and death our people endure under authority,” Fox said.
“They are supposed to protect us.”
Speaking on her regular call-in radio show, Premier Danielle Smith said her government was working on setting up a phone call with the head of the Assembly of First Nations, who has expressed concern about how many indigenous people have died in police custody.
There have been five such cases in Alberta in recent years, the premier said Saturday.
“No one likes when these types of situations happen,” he said.
“I don’t want to prejudge the outcome until that (ASIRT) investigation is complete. But if we have multiple incidents, we need to look more closely to see if there is anything else we can do.”
When asked about calls for an independent investigation by an outside special prosecutor, Smith said ASIRT was independent and she was proud of its work.
Wells’ aunt released a statement over the weekend on behalf of his family, calling him a beloved and respected figure.
“Jon’s tragic and untimely death has left a void in the hearts of all who knew him,” said Laverne Wells.
He said he was dedicated to his family and community and his love of horses and rodeo led him to become a well-known cowboy. In 2012, he was named the steer wrestling tour champion for the Indian National Final.
“Jon will be greatly missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched,” he said.
A March was held in memory of Wells
On Monday afternoon, hundreds of family, friends and complete strangers gathered to honor Wells’ life.
“He was a big figure for us. He represented the tribe in every area,” said Wells’ brother, Shane Little Bear.
“Wherever he went, he made friends. Wherever he went, he had a home to stay in. “
The march ended in about 20 minutes at the Calgary police station on Bonaventure Dr., just south of the hotel.
While officers were on hand to provide a safe escort, those who marched expressed their frustration with the relationship between law enforcement and indigenous people.
“It’s wrong. The system is broken. They just act the way they do because I feel the police are above the law,” said Robert James Moore, who met Wells several times over the years.
“There should be justice, especially (on National Truth and Reconciliation Day). They have suffered enough.”
The parade that took place on 30 September was at the front of everyone’s mind who took part, with many dressed in orange, and others wearing hand signs.
Some participants explained the impact Wells’ death has had on them, having never met him.
“You don’t have to be native for me to help you. It doesn’t matter. You have to be a man and alive, and walk beside me,” said Stephen Parr, who lives near the Carriage House.
“And if you need help, I’ll try to give you some help.”
With files from Skylar Peters, Global News
& copy 2024 The Canadian Press
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
source link https://globalnews.ca/news/10786797/calgary-police-in-custody-death-blood-tribe-chief/
