Thunder Bay, Ontario – First Nations leaders in northwestern Ontario are calling for the disbandment of the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and urging the provincial inspector general of policing to bring in an external agency to investigate recent deaths of Indigenous individuals. Leaders from Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) gathered at Queen’s Park in Toronto alongside Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa and other First Nations leaders and family members to address the issue.
NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler criticized the TBPS for its handling of investigations into the deaths of Indigenous Peoples, stating that there is a significant lack of trust in the police service. This call for action follows the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) laying multiple charges against the former police chief and others associated with the force in response to recent deaths.
The Thunder Bay Police Services Board expressed its condolences to the affected families and emphasized the importance of transparency, acknowledgment, and accountability in building trust with Indigenous communities. The board noted its commitment to updating policies based on feedback from the community and inquests to improve public safety in the region.
NAN, representing 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, highlighted numerous reports citing failures by the Thunder Bay police to serve Indigenous people and systemic racism within the force. Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum emphasized the significance of the lives lost and the need for thorough investigations to ensure justice for the victims.
In response to the recent charges, current police Chief Darcy Fleury pledged to work on rebuilding trust with the community and providing updates on ongoing investigations. The involvement of Ontario’s inspector general of policing, Ryan Teschner, in overseeing the situation indicates a push for accountability and necessary reforms within the TBPS.
As discussions continue on the future of policing in Thunder Bay, NAN leaders seek engagement with the Ontario government to address concerns and explore alternative policing solutions. Moving forward, the focus remains on advocating for justice for the victims and rebuilding trust between law enforcement and Indigenous communities.