A sentencing date is expected within the next two weeks in the obstruction of justice case involving former RCMP Constable Arthur Dalman, according to the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs.
The court has concluded sentencing submissions related to Dalman’s conviction stemming from a 2017 RCMP arrest in Prince George. Dalman was found guilty of obstruction of justice after demanding that a civilian delete cellphone video footage taken during the arrest of Dale Culver, a Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en man who later died while in custody. The court determined the offence was based on interference with civilian-recorded evidence, regardless of the video’s content.
During sentencing submissions, the defence argued Dalman experienced job loss, trauma and intense public scrutiny following the incident. Prosecutors responded that Dalman continued working as an RCMP officer for several years after Culver’s death, was promoted and served in high-risk roles, challenging claims of lasting professional harm.
The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs say the case highlights longstanding concerns for Indigenous peoples regarding interactions with police and the justice system, including delays, lack of accountability and systemic barriers to justice. They say incidents involving police misconduct in cases tied to Indigenous deaths further erode trust and reinforce historical injustice.
The Chiefs say the case is about more than one officer’s actions and will test whether the justice system meaningfully addresses abuses of authority. They say they will continue to stand with the Culver family as the court considers a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offence.
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