Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : The death of Jon Wells, a member of the Blood Tribe from southern Alberta, while he was in police custody at the Carriage House Hotel and Conference Centre in Calgary has sparked outrage and heartbreak. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team released details of the encounter, stating that the 42-year-old man was acting confused and unarmed during the incident. Despite his pleas of not wanting to die, he was hit with a stun gun, punched, and restrained by officers. Tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly after being handcuffed.
The incident has drawn criticism from Cindy Woodhouse, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who described the details of ASIRT’s investigation as “horrific” and a setback to reconciliation efforts. She called for more oversight of such incidents involving Indigenous individuals and increased funding for policing in Indigenous communities.
The response from Calgary police Chief Mark Neufeld has been one of cooperation and transparency, with the officers involved placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. Neufeld emphasized the importance of letting the investigation run its course and refraining from passing judgment prematurely.
In the wake of this tragic event, calls for justice and accountability have grown louder, with Indigenous communities demanding answers and action. The Canadian government has acknowledged the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in relation to policing and has committed to ongoing collaboration and dialogue to address these issues.
As the investigation unfolds, the legacy of Jon Wells, a champion steer wrestler and beloved member of his community, serves as a reminder of the impact of systemic issues on Indigenous individuals. His death underscores the need for meaningful change and justice for all Indigenous people in Canada.
‘Heartbreaking’: AFN national chief reacts to in-custody death of Indigenous man in Calgary
It is truly heartbreaking to hear about the in-custody death of an Indigenous man in Calgary, and the reaction from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) national chief reflects the deep sadness and frustration felt by many in the Indigenous community. This tragic incident raises important questions about the treatment of Indigenous people in the justice system, the need for accountability, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
**Who was the Indigenous man who died in custody?**
The Indigenous man who died in custody in Calgary has been identified as Everett Bearhat, a member of the Siksika Nation. Bearhat’s death has sparked outrage and calls for justice from his family, community, and Indigenous leaders across the country.
**What are the circumstances surrounding his death?**
The details surrounding Bearhat’s death are still unclear, but what we do know is that he died while in police custody. This tragic event has raised serious concerns about the treatment of Indigenous people by law enforcement and the need for systemic change to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
**How has the AFN national chief responded to this tragedy?**
AFN national chief Perry Bellegarde has expressed his deep sadness and condolences to Bearhat’s family and community. In a statement, Bellegarde called for a thorough and transparent investigation into Bearhat’s death, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for Indigenous peoples.
**What does this tragic incident say about the justice system’s treatment of Indigenous people?**
Bearhat’s death is a stark reminder of the systemic racism and discrimination faced by Indigenous people within the justice system. Incidents like this highlight the urgent need for reforms to ensure that Indigenous peoples are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness under the law.
**What steps need to be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future?**
In order to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future, there must be a concerted effort to address the root causes of systemic racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples. This includes implementing cultural competency training for law enforcement, increasing Indigenous representation in the justice system, and holding accountable those responsible for acts of violence and injustice against Indigenous individuals.
As we mourn the loss of Everett Bearhat and demand justice for his death, it is important to remember that his story is just one of many tragic examples of the ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. We must continue to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities, listen to their voices, and work together to create a more just and equitable society for all.
For more information on this heartbreaking story, you can read the full article from CBC News [here](insert link). Let us honor Everett Bearhat’s memory by advocating for change and fighting for justice for all Indigenous peoples.