WARNING: This story contains disturbing details.
In less than a year and a half, three men with links with Wapekeka First Nation have been killed and killed by the police in the northwest of Ontario.
The last incident, which happened in the remote community of Oji-Cree on ThursdayHe led to the death of Tyresse Kenny Padro Cree Roundsky, 23.
“His memories are alive in all of us,” said Wapekeka First Nation in a press release issued on Saturday.
The Special Research Unit (SIU) of Ontario is investigating the circumstances surrounding Roundsky’s death. The independent government agency investigates the conduct of the police that results in death, serious injuries, sexual assault or the discharge of a person’s gun to a person.
His memories are alive in all of us.– Wapekeka First Nation
According to SIU, a provincial police officer (OPP) of Ontario was inside the Wapekeka Youth Center, which serves as a court, at approximately noon on Thursday when an armed man with a knife approached him.
“There was an interaction, and the officer downloaded his firearm. The man was beaten,” said the SIU in a press release issued on Saturday.
He was declared dead on the scene, said the SIU. While the agency identified man as 24, Wapekeka First Nation said that his 24th birthday would have been in October. A post mortem exam was scheduled for Sunday.
“Three researchers and two forensic researchers have been assigned to the case,” said the SIU. “At this time, an official OPP witness has been designated and a civilian.”
Roundsky’s death occurs less than two weeks after Eric Nothing, 40, a wapekeka member, was Killed and killed by a Nishnawbe Aski Police Service officer In Deer Lake First Nation.
Nothing is a father Bruce Wallace FroggHe was shot dead by an OPP officer in June 2024 in Kenora. The SIU recently cleared the officer of any irregularity In relation to Frogg’s death.
“Our hearts are with Chief Brennan Sainnawap and the people of Wapekeka First Nation while dealing with another devastating loss,” said the great chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski in a Facebook post.
“We make an emergency call with the community and all service agencies this afternoon to guarantee immediate support for all those affected by this tragic event. We will make sure they have all the help they need in the next few days,” said Fiddler.
In a statement issued Thursday night, the OPP said that the officer involved in the incident was the Sioux surveillance detachment.
Ask for better security in the court in the north
Less than 500 people live in Wapekeka First Nation, located about 450 kilometers northeast of Sioux Lookout.
On Sunday, Morgan Fletcher, president of the Kenora District Law Association, issued a statement about Roundsky’s death in the improvised community of the community, saying that several lawyers, court personnel and member of the Judiciary were present.
Many remote communities depend on the fluffy judicial sessions, “where judges and lawyers attend the community courts in a designated public building,” he said.
“This is necessary, since many communities do not have adequate Internet services to allow people to attend the Court remotely, and there is no court infrastructure.”
While the courts in urban environments have safety precautions, such as metal detectors and safety detection, these improvised cutting rooms operate in an open doors policy, Fletcher said.
“There is something to say for less barriers between lawyers, court staff and the public. In a world of growing centralization that can make people feel isolated from the justice system, maintain ties between justice participants and the community is of key importance,” he said.
“Unfortunately, this also leaves justice participants susceptible to situations such as what was developed in Wapekeka.”
Consequently, said Fletcher, the Law Association “remains willing to work with the Government at all levels, as well as police personnel and judicial services, to develop improved security policies and planning.”
The SIU urges anyone with information on the investigation of Thursday’s incident, including video or photos, to contact the principal investigator 1-800-787-8529 or online.
Mental health advice and crisis support are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness Direct Line at 1-855-242-3310 or by chat online in online in www.hopeforwellness.ca.
