The jury finding of homicide and recommendations at the inquest into Chantel Moore’s death “does not address the seriousness of the tragedy.”
A statement from the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick on Thursday said it also does not address the systemic issues embedded in the justice system.
Moore, an Indigenous woman, was shot and killed by an Edmundston police officer in June 2020 during a wellness check.
The six chiefs of the Wolastoqey Nation said Moore’s death shows the “urgent need” for an Indigenous-led inquiry into systemic racism — something they have been demanding for two years.
“I want to honour the strength and perseverance of Chantel Moore’s family, not only this week but in their pursuit of justice. As a leader of my community, I take the words of Martha Martin, Chantel’s mother, very seriously and I agree with her: bold change is necessary,” said Chief Allan Polchies Jr. of Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation).
The chiefs said they have no faith recommendations made by the jury in the inquest or by the ongoing commission into systemic racism will receive “due care or attention” from the Higgs government.
“Have any of the recommendations from last October’s inquest into the shooting death of Rodney Levi at the hands of police been acted on?” said Chief Patricia Bernard of Matawaskiye (Madawaska First Nation).
“How could any fair-minded observer believe this inquest or the ongoing commission will bring change that reduces the risk our community faces during interactions with police?”
The six chiefs said they were encouraged to see Dr. Manju Varma, the province’s systemic racism commissioner, and her team attend the Moore inquest.
“Now we ask: Is what she has seen this week enough for her to join our call for an Indigenous-led Inquiry into systemic racism against Indigenous people?” said Chief Tim Paul of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation).
The chiefs think Varma’s work will be used by a “disingenuous, disrespectful Higgs government” who they said will sweep deep-rooted, fundamental problems related to racism against Indigenous people under the table.
“We ask Dr. Varma to heed our call and publicly recommend an independent Inquiry into systemic racism against Indigenous people in New Brunswick,” Chief Ross Perley of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) said.
