RCMP ARREST VIDEO UNDER REVIEW AFTER CONCERNS

📸Photo of the altercation shared to social media.

(Sept 3rd)

A video showing three RCMP officers attempting to arrest an individual in Sheshatshiu N.L has prompted concerns from Mushuau Innu First Nation Chief Patricia Andrew.

In a statement, Chief Andrew said she has viewed the video involving (Name Removed), and RCMP officers and described it as “deeply upsetting and difficult to watch.”

Andrew said she has written to RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador Commanding Officer Pat Cahill asking whether the incident has been, or will be, referred to the Serious Incident Response Team of Newfoundland and Labrador (SIRT-NL) for independent review.

The letter was also shared with Justice Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Labrador Affairs and Indigenous Relations Minister Lela Evans, Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini, Deputy Grand Chief Tshan (John) Nui, Sheshatshiu Chief Eugene Hart, and MIFN Council.

Andrew acknowledged that police officers can face difficult situations but said she has a responsibility as Chief to ensure serious concerns involving one of her community members are brought forward and properly examined.

“Our people deserve to be treated fairly and with respect, and they deserve to know that serious concerns involving police conduct will not be ignored,” Andrew said.

She added that the matter has now been raised at what she described as the highest appropriate levels and that she will continue seeking answers on behalf of her members.