MPs to hold emergency debate after 6 First Nations deaths by police over 2 weeks

The House of Commons will hold an emergency debate Monday evening after six separate incidents in two weeks where First Nations people were killed by police. 

Lori Idlout, MP for Nunavut, requested the debate. 

"For decades Indigenous people have been injured, worse yet, died at the hands of the RCMP," Idlout said in a speech before the House. 

The deaths between Aug. 29 and Sept. 8 involved both RCMP and municipal police officers across five provinces. 

1. Aug. 29: a Clearwater River Dene Nation man, 31, was struck and killed by RCMP on Highway 909 between Buffalo Narrows and Turnor Lake, Sask.
2. Aug. 30: Hoss Lightning, 15, from Samson Cree Nation was shot by RCMP in Wetaskiwin, Alta., after he called them for help. 
3. Sept. 2: Tammy Bateman, from Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, who was in her 30s, was struck and killed by Winnipeg police in a park. 
4. Sept. 6: Jason West, 57, was shot by Windsor police.
5. Sept. 8: A 31-year-old man in Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation in Saskatchewan was shot by RCMP responding to a call about an assault.
6. Sept. 8: RCMP responding to a call in Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick shot and killed Steven 'Iggy' Dedam, 34. 

Police watchdogs are investigating all of the incidents. 

Idlout said she and the federal NDP sought the debate to discuss measures that would save Indigenous people's lives. 

"No more Indigenous children must lose their father to the barrel of an RCMP gun. No more sisters must be stolen by the RCMP," she said in her speech. 

"No more Indigenous children must get bullet wounds instead of help." 

The emergency debate is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Monday. 

'Barrel is definitely rotten'

David Milward, an associate professor of law at the University of Victoria and a member of Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation in Saskatchewan, said the deaths represent "more of the same" when it comes to policing in Canada.

Milward, who appeared as an expert witness for a human rights complaint against the B.C. RCMP, said the RCMP "was established as a method of asserting colonial control over the Canadian West and against Indigenous peoples."

The recent deaths only "add salt" to past wounds, he said. Milward said the RCMP must do "more than just all correct a few tweaks or make a few guidelines or do a little more diversity hiring."

"Do you have to burn it completely down to the ground? Start over? I don't know," he said.

Milward said he doesn't like to paint all RCMP officers with the same brush and knows there are individual RCMP officers working toward positive change.

But, he added, even as there are some 'good apples,' "the barrel is definitely rotten."

CBC Indigenous asked the RCMP how it planned to build trust with Indigenous communities following these deaths and what officers are taught about the force's history.

In an emailed statement, the RCMP said "independent investigative agencies are currently investigating the actions of our police officers. These investigations are ongoing, which restricts the RCMP's ability to comment."

"The RCMP expresses its sincerest condolences to those impacted by these recent tragedies," read the statement.

"These situations are also difficult for our police officers, 911 operators and employees who work tirelessly to serve communities across Canada.

"The RCMP remains committed to being transparent and accountable to Canadians, while taking into account the incredibly difficult circumstances our police officers face every day."

Vigil in Montreal

In Montreal, a vigil to honour the six people is set for Sept. 18. While none of the people killed between Aug. 29 and Sept. 8 were from Montreal, Nakuset, executive director of the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal, said she hopes to show solidarity with those who are hurting. 

"I can either hold all this in or I can do a vigil, and in the vigil collectively, everyone who feels like me can also shed some tears." she said. 

After years of working to improve relations between police and the local Indigenous community, Nakuset said she's frustrated by the lack of progress. 

"I don't know how to make people care," she said. 

"I feel like if we don't do something public, then it allows the RCMP to shoot someone else," she said. 

For her part, Nakuset said she feels let down by leaders who have failed to address the issue.

Upon hearing about Idlout's motion, she said she was grateful for Idlout's leadership and expects more from others.