In the aftermath of the report released into the RCMP investigation of the death of Colten Boushie, the City of North Battleford has issued a news release denouncing racism.
“On behalf of Mayor and Council, we wish to declare unequivocally that racism is unacceptable under any circumstances and that we as a City cannot allow racism in any form to be a part of our community,” the city stated in a news release this week. “Unfortunately, there have been too many examples of people who do not share this value for reasons we cannot begin to understand. In response, we are asking residents and the community to stand with us in stopping this scourge on our society.”
The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission released its report recently, in which it concluded there was racial discrimination in the RCMP’s dealings with Boushie’s mother on the night of his death.
“As Council of North Battleford, we are encouraged to see that this report identified significant issues requiring improvement within the RCMP. The RCMP stated that 16 of the 17 CRCC report recommendations have been implemented and the 17th recommendation will be implemented by April of 2021. The RCMP provides policing services to regional Rural Municipalities and First Nations, but they are also contracted by the City to provide policing services within our community.
The city further stated they expect RCMP and City services “to be delivered professionally. Not in a manner that may be ‘linked to a stereotypical understanding of Indigenous peoples’ as an approach of that nature is discriminatory, simple-minded, and racist. The City is heartened to see that our contracted police service is committed to implementing the required internal changes and espousing an inclusive and culturally accepting approach in their service delivery.”
The city also pointed to their own efforts towards inclusion, including signing the Sacichawasihc Agreement as well as flying the Treaty Six flag outside of City Hall. “It is our goal to be an inclusive community where our cultural diversity and history is embraced and celebrated. A community where our residents are engaged, healthy, and proud to call North Battleford home.”
