The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly) are expressing support and concern for a Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw community member who was severely injured by an RCMP Officer in Woodstock, New Brunswick.
During a call on June 13, a Mi’kmaw woman was allegedly struck in the face by an RCMP officer, resulting in multiple broken bones and the need for facial and oral reconstructive surgery. The RCMP recently announced that the incident is now being investigated by the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT).
“Our people should not have to worry about how they might be treated by the RCMP when they call for help,” said Chief Leroy Denny, co-lead for Health, Wellbeing and Elders for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. “RCMP officers are supposed to serve and protect, but yet again, another Mi’kmaw woman has been attacked and injured during an interaction with the police.”
Studies have shown that Indigenous women, girls and members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community are at a significantly higher risk of violence. The Assembly agrees with voices heard across the Maritimes this week, that have said in light of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions’ Calls to Action, and the MMIWG National Inquiry, Canada and the RCMP need to do better.
“What led to the events in Woodstock will be left to SiRT to figure out, but nothing should ever justify a woman being hit by an officer,” continued Chief Denny. “Violent incidents, just like this, only continue to raise concerns about how Indigenous people are treated in troubling and scary situations. True reconciliation can never be achieved if incidents like this continue to occur.”
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