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For immediate release
July 4, 2022

 

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is releasing this statement in response to the shooting of a young man in Shamattawa First Nation by the RCMP on Saturday, July 2, 2022.

“There has been a shooting in Shamattawa First Nation involving the local RCMP members and a young male aged 22 years old. Health care providers are doing all they can to save the young man, but it’s a step-by-step process. For the safety of local officers, the RCMP will have to remove the members in question in this incident until the investigation is complete. This is a matter of safety on both sides,” shared Chief Jordna Hill of Shamattawa First Nation.

“I call on Canada’s justice system to conduct a thorough independent investigation into this matter. This is a common occurrence in indigenous communities, and I trust the system will do the right thing. I further call for a change in the policy of ‘trigger happy’ shoot first and ask questions later. The system needs to review some of the operational policies and practices of police as these incidents are becoming too common,” continued Chief Jordna Hill. “This situation is still under investigation and I have no further comments until I get to the bottom of the matter.”

“Our thoughts and our prayers have been with the Shamattawa First Nation, and we are hoping that the 22-year-old shot by the RCMP will survive,” shared MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “I am aware there are extenuating circumstances that led to this incident, but it is alarming when you hear that an Indigenous man is shot 11 times. It is disconcerting, and being cognizant of the many shootings of Indigenous people as of late, I cannot help but be uncertain of the path forward on reconciliation.”

“I will stand by the community’s leadership and support them as they navigate through this horrendous experience. It is my hope that the Independent Investigations Unit will exercise their due diligence in a way that is transparent and unbiased,” Grand Chief Garrison Settee continued. “I admire the strength and courage of Chief Jordna Hill for his leadership in this tragic turn of events”

Chief Jordna Hill arranged for the young man’s family to be flown to his side.

The IIU is in the community of Shamattawa First Nation beginning their investigation.

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For more information:
Melanie Ferris
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]