CAP Calls for Public Investigation into Death of Chantel Moore and Systemic Bias and Racism in Policing and Justice Systems Towards Indigenous Peoples

OTTAWA, ON, June 6, 2020 /CNW/ - The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) and its Provincial Territorial Organization (PTO) the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council responded to the tragic death of Chantel Moore in Edmundston, New Brunswick by calling for a public investigation into the death of Chantel Moore and the ongoing systemic bias and racism that policing services and the justice system displays towards Indigenous peoples.

"The tragic killing of Chantel Moore during a wellness check has vividly shown all Canadians that Indigenous peoples in Canada continue to face a very different set of circumstances when interacting with the policing and justice systems in Canada", said National Chief Robert Bertrand of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. "The family of Chantel Moore does not need hollow words and internal investigations that shields scrutiny and reinforces a broken system. Rather, a public investigation with Indigenous oversight and a commitment by governments to act on findings must take place."

It has been one year since the Final Report on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released. The National Inquiry outlined the need for policing agencies to take concerted efforts to reform their practices, procedures, and policies in order to change the relationship between Indigenous peoples and policing services. Sadly, in the time since there has been little change and Indigenous peoples across Canada continue to face inequitable treatment that also threatens their safety.

"Policing services and the government of New Brunswick must commit to a transparent and public investigation into the killing of Chantel Moore, with meaningful Indigenous oversight throughout the investigative process and in any final recommendations", Chief and President Barry LaBillois of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council added. "For Chantel, her family, and all Indigenous peoples who have or will encounter systemic bias and racism in policing services and the justice system, the government must seek proper Justice and finally begin to act on reforming institutional bias."

Background
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is the second-oldest national aboriginal organization in Canada. It was founded in 1971, one year after the AFN. CAP represents the interests of off reserve status and non-status Indians, Métis and Southern Inuit Aboriginal Peoples throughout Canada.  CAP is one of five national Indigenous organizations recognized by the federal government, and holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

SOURCE Congress of Aboriginal Peoples

Media Contact, Christian von Donat, Cell: 613-408-0498, [email protected]; Carlos Godoy, Cell: 514-703-4208, [email protected]