Fredericton, NB, September 11, 2024 – The six Chiefs of the Wolastoqey Nation grieve alongside community members of Elsipogtog First Nations following the shooting death of Steve “Iggy” Dedam during a wellness check by the RCMP. We echo the calls of the Mi’kmaq Chiefs for a legitimate inquiry into systemic racism, particularly in the justice system, not a tokenistic report that now sits on a shelf.

We are concerned any time interactions between Indigenous people and law enforcement end in violence and/or death, as these instances happen too frequently. We recall recent deaths of Rodney Levi and Chantal Moore following altercations with law enforcement and the lack of transparency around the outcomes of those investigations.

Our communities need justice that heals, not inflames, relationships between First Nations and law enforcement.

For investigations into incidents involving Indigenous people, there must be Indigenous representation on the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT). We implore that the SiRT implement this fundamental act of reconciliation.

We also demand transparency in the process, as it is transparency that builds trust. We call on officials to provide our communities with regular updates, community meetings, connection with First Nations leadership, and quick action focused on healing and restoring relationships. We hope that the SiRT and RCMP take their investigative and relational responsibilities seriously.

Our Chiefs will continue to speak out against systemic racism within the justice system as we have unfortunately had to do for too long without meaningful government action.

Media contact:
media@wolastoqey.ca