First Nations in New Brunswick are calling out parties in the general election to address racial discrimination within the justice system once elected.
Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey, and Peskotomukati chiefs have emphasized the need for a full inquiry into racism within the province’s policing operations.
In 2020, the deaths of Chantel Moore and Rodney Levi, two Indigenous people living in New Brunswick, sparked calls from First Nations for better justice and policing practices when conducting wellness checks. The province commissioned a report on systemic racism which was released in 2022.
Last month, the passing of Elsipogtog Steven “Iggy” Dedam after a fatal encounter with the RCMP shook the community.
Following these events, First Nation leaders say they are frustrated with the provincial government’s efforts to implement changes based on the report’s recommendations.
“Nothing has been actioned on that report, and [it] basically sat on a shelf,” Chief Terry Richardson from Pabineau First Nation said.
“Hopefully one of the parties will not necessarily take action, but at least sit down, talk about it, and see what we can implement.”
Indigenous police and in-depth racism inquiry
The Progressive Conservatives, Liberals, Green Party, and NDP all say they are committed to implementing the recommendations in the report and highlighted further actions.
For Alex White, head of the NDP, launching a full inquiry into systemic racism is one of many steps his party wants to take to “reset the relationship to a true partnership format.”
He proposes the implementation of Self-Administered Police Service Agreements — culturally-appropriate police services staffed by Indigenous officers — upon consulting with First Nations communities.
“We pay extra for the privilege to be able to call the RCMP, and then the RCMP doesn’t provide the level of service that is required,” White said in an interview with Ku’ku’kwes News.
In the Wolastoqey political parties questionnaire, the PC party said they are in the process of gathering data on racism in the province. Once this process is over, they will look into carrying out 75 per cent of the recommendations in the report.
“This analysis will cover systemic racism within the justice system and policing and will take into consideration community bylaws and self-governance structures in reaching measures to address systemic racism,” a party spokesperson said in a written reply.
The Liberals responded in questionnaire by Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Incorporated (MTI), an organization representing the interests of all nine Mi’kmaw communities in New Brunswick, that they will tackle systemic racism by entering into dialogue with affected communities in the province.
They also plan to give answers to a MTI report’s set of recommendations and “emphasize cultural competency training and inclusive policies within institutions.”
David Coon, the leader of the Green Party said that, if elected, his party will conduct an inquiry on systemic racism led by both First Nations and the province to “properly examine the situation.”
Province falling short of action, First Nations say
As promises pour in, First Nations demand changes to the justice system beyond the report’s recommendations.
On Oct. 3, the Wolastoqey Nation released a statement in which the chiefs asked for a “multi-jurisdictional approach” to ensure the safety of Indigenous communities in the province. In the statement, they highlighted collaboration between the provincial and federal governments with Indigenous input.
“We can’t keep living in fear,” Allan Polchies Jr., chief of Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) wrote in the statement.
Julian Moulton, a Liberal MLA candidate who is also a serving councillor in Neqotuk (Tobique First Nation), said that the province has always refused to fund the creation of First Nations police forces and has “fallen short of every request” to address systemic racism.
“I’m not saying that’s something we need to get into this election, but it’s definitely something I would like to advocate as a candidate,” he said. “I think we’re starting to see a lot of First Nations communities wanting to go in that direction.”
In response to the lack of action to target systemic racism, MTI released a report with recommendations specific to Indigenous peoples in the province.
Alongside MTI, Mi’kmaw leaders called for a full reorganization of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, which saw the departure of two ministers — Arlene Dunn and Mike Holland — in less than a year.
Hugh Akagi, head of the Peskotomukati Nation in New Brunswick, pointed out that local politicians need to improve their relationships with First Nations. “I’m still minimized in so many ways.”
This is the third and final part of Ku’ku’kwes News’ coverage of the provincial elections in New Brunswick.
