Residents of Masset have called for action to be taken to address community safety in the aftermath of a dramatic alleged assault on the son of Haida hereditary chief Darin Swanson by a man wielding a woodcutter’s splitting maul.
Speaking to CFNR News about the incident, Swanson says it could have been prevented.
‘You know, this could have been prevented. And after the fact we’re hearing victim shaming from the cops, gaslighting from the cops, making it sound like its our own faults… instead of policing this guy, you know, making sure he’s following the rules of his conditions’ – Ginaawaan (Darin Swanson), Hereditary Chief of Haida Nation
The Masset RCMP Detachment confirmed that they responded to a call for assistance following a serious assault with a weapon last Thursday, August 28th.
When they arrived on scene, RCMP found the alleged attacker had already been disarmed during the altercation and was being restrained by Swanson and his son. The man was immediately taken into custody, taken to hospital for treatment, and was then subsequently released back into the community on strict conditions with a court date set for this October to answer to outstanding charges.
Masset RCMP say they will be recommending multiple additional charges in relation to the incident, but Haida Hereditary Chief Darrin Swanson says he’s not hopeful it will help, as the man in question already has a long history of offences. Swanson told CFNR News that as the man was being arrested, he had allegedly threated to kill both Swanson and his son upon his eventual release, all within earshot of the arresting officer.
‘If this ever happens to you, guess what, you’re on your own. The police aren’t proactively stopping these people, you know, they’re waiting for the phone call. They probably have a box of chalk in their truck to draw on outline of your body when someone kills you. And same with the Crown, you know, their laws are so weak for these guys, it’s crazy. ‘ – Ginaawaan (Darin Swanson), Hereditary Chief of Haida Nation
Swanson says the community is now living in fear of what could come next. He told CFNR News that with trust in the local RCMP eroded, many in the community are now keeping improvised weapons, and even firearms, close at hand.
‘We’re even talking about getting our own police force together, you know, so we’re not getting these outside officers who are only here for a short period of time. They don’t have their heart and soul into the community, but if we had our own police force, then indeed, we’d have people to help look after the people that need the help’ – Ginaawaan (Darin Swanson), Hereditary Chief of Haida Nation
Swanson says he’s arranged for a sit down meeting on the topic of community safety with the Masset RCMP Detachment next week. He’s also invited Haida Nation’s Elected Chief and Council, his fellow Hereditary Chiefs, as well as North Coast – Haida Gwaii MLA Tamara Davidson to take part.
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