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NAN Statement on Reinvestigations into the Deaths of 13 First Nations People in Thunder Bay

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Acting Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum has released the following statement on the reinvestigation into the deaths of 13 First Nations people in Thunder Bay by the Ontario Provincial Police:

“This will be extremely difficult for the families who have lost their loved ones with no explanation by those in authority. Communication is key, and we hope these new investigators consider the grief these families have endured for so long. We pray for them and will do everything we can to support them throughout this process.

We have been deeply offended by the utter lack of accountability and transparency by the Thunder Bay Police Service over the loss of so many of our relations over the years. Just as every life must be valued equally, every death must be treated with equal value. All that these families have asked for is that the tragic loss of their loved ones be treated with the humanity, dignity, and respect they deserve. If thorough reinvestigations lead to criminal charges, then these must also be pursued.

These reinvestigations are just the beginning. There will be more. We will continue to expose and confront systemic racism in the Thunder Bay police and the Chief Coroner’s Office. There are many individuals whose job it was to ensure that these deaths were investigated properly, and they have failed in their responsibilities. These inexcusable actions have greatly impacted many families and loved ones. All those responsible must be held accountable.

In addition to accountability, a process must be put in place to fully implement the Broken Trust Report and the recommendations included in the Report. Until such a process is established, we will continue to hold the authorities and agencies accountable for their continued failure to protect our people and provide the justice and healing they deserve.”

There are 25 MMIWG cases in Thunder Bay, some of which are decades old. These also require competent investigations along with the cases recommended for reinvestigation in the 2018 Broken Trust report by the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.

Link: https://www.oiprd.on.ca/?s=broken+trust

 

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