Innu leadership and members of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation have accused Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers of employing excessive force during an arrest at a residence in Sheshatshiu on Tuesday night, an incident that was recorded and shared online. Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation Chief Eugene Hart expressed his discontent with the officers, stating they are free to leave if they are unwilling to respect the community. Hart, along with a group of individuals, gathered outside the local RCMP detachment to protest while awaiting the release of the arrested man.
The arrest was initiated following a call from the man’s girlfriend, Nerissa Rich, who reported that he was intoxicated and hoped the police would take him to a holding cell to sober up. Rich emphasized that the situation did not involve any violence but felt it was necessary in the moment to prevent any disturbance, especially with her children present. The arrested individual, whose identity has not been disclosed by CBC, is facing multiple charges, including assaulting peace officers and causing property damage.
The footage shared by Rich on social media depicts officers inside the residence engaging with the man, with tensions escalating as the situation unfolds. The video captures moments of physical confrontation between the officers and the man, eliciting strong reactions from onlookers, including Rich. The use of force by the officers, as seen in the video, has sparked outrage within the community.
In response to the incident, Innu Nation Grand Chief Jodie Ashini labeled the actions of the officers as “clearly excessive force,” attributing it to systemic racism within law enforcement. Both Hart and Ashini have called for the removal of the officer involved in the incident and advocated for the establishment of a tribal police service for the First Nation, managed autonomously by the community. They have urged the provincial and federal governments to take action on this issue.
Despite attempts to reach out to the RCMP for comments on the matter, CBC News has not received a response. The incident has reignited discussions on the need for improved policing practices and greater community involvement in law enforcement within Indigenous communities like the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation.