The BC General Employees’ Union has released a forceful statement condemning the ongoing pattern of police violence against Indigenous people in British Columbia and across the country. The statement comes in response to a recent arrest in Terrace that spread quickly across social media, prompting widespread concern. While the incident has already been widely viewed, the union’s message focuses on the broader, persistent problems it represents.
The BCGEU notes that police brutality against Indigenous people is not new. It points to the long-standing role of policing in enforcing colonial policies, as well as a series of recent deaths following police interactions, as signs that systemic issues remain deeply rooted. The union says these incidents continue to retraumatize Indigenous communities and highlight serious gaps in public safety and accountability.
According to the BCGEU, Canada has fallen behind on meeting key Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action, particularly those involving justice, policing, and oversight. It argues that meaningful reconciliation cannot move forward while Indigenous people continue to face disproportionate harm in interactions with law enforcement.
The union is urging strengthened oversight and a thorough, independent investigative process whenever force is used. It says trust, protection, and security for Indigenous people can only be rebuilt through transparency, accountability, and sincere efforts to repair long-standing harm.
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