Witset First Nation Calls for Complete and Fair Investigation into Death of Third Nation Member in Police Custody in 6 Years

Chief and Council from the Witset First Nation are demanding a complete and fair investigation into the latest death of one of their members in police custody.

On September 4th, 34 year-old Barrett Jack would enter into medical distress while being held in Smithers, three days after his arrest in Telkwa.

Jack passed away in hospital later that same day, becoming the Nation’s third member to die while in police custody in the past 6 years.

An investigation was launched the following day by the BC Independent Investigations Office, but the Nation says they have heard no updates since.

Given what they call a history of negligence and abuse between their members and RCMP, the Nation is calling for a fair, transparent, and independent investigation.

They say that investigation must arrive at an objective conclusion, which can be accepted by the community and Nation members.

Earlier this month, charges were finally laid against 5 officers in the Death of Wet’suwet’en man Dale Culver, nearly six years after his death in custody.