First Nations leaders call for Thunder Bay police to disband for failing to serve Indigenous people

Leaders from several First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario are calling on the province to disband the Thunder Bay Police Service and Thunder Bay Police Board for becoming what they say is a "cold case factory" when it comes to Indigenous deaths. Numerous reports and expert panels have documented Thunder Bay police failures to serve Indigenous people. The police chief and other members of the force are currently facing multiple charges in the wake of three recent deaths.

Thunder Bay police Chief Darcy Fleury said he empathizes with the ‘pain and frustration’ heard from families and First Nations leaders, and that his department will continue to work to resolve open cases. He also said his administration will continue to co-operate with the Ontario Provincial Police investigation.

Thunder Bay Police Service Board issued a statement, saying it ‘understands the process of building trust with Indigenous communities requires transparency, acknowledgement and accountability.’ It also said, ‘The Board uses information from community feedback … to help strengthen policies and procedures to make sure we are meeting the needs of the communities we serve.’

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/1.7180444

Support is available for anyone affected by these reports and the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Immediate emotional assistance and crisis support are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a national hotline at 1-844-413-6649.

You can also access, through the government of Canada, health support services such as mental health counselling, community-based support and cultural services, and some travel costs to see elders and traditional healers.

https://www.rcaanccirnac.gc.ca/eng/1548700698392/1548701361628

Family members seeking information about a missing or murdered loved one can access Family Information Liaison Units.

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/cj-jp/fund-fond/mmiw-fada/info.html

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