A call for the disbandment of the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and a plea for an outside agency to investigate recent deaths of Indigenous individuals have been made by First Nations leaders in northwestern Ontario. Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) leaders gathered at Queen’s Park in Toronto, accompanied by Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, other First Nations leaders, and family members affected by the recent deaths in Thunder Bay.
NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler expressed concern over the lack of trust in the Thunder Bay Police Service, describing it as a “cold case factory” when it comes to investigations involving Indigenous Peoples. This call to action follows the laying of charges against the former police chief and others associated with the force by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in response to three recent deaths.
The Thunder Bay Police Services Board extended condolences to the affected families and vowed to prioritize transparency, acknowledgment, and accountability in building trust with Indigenous communities. However, reports have highlighted the failures of the Thunder Bay police in serving Indigenous populations and identified systemic racism within the force.
In response to the current challenges, current police Chief Darcy Fleury emphasized the commitment to making meaningful changes to rebuild trust with the community. The administration is cooperating with the OPP on reinvestigations of cases involving Indigenous people and providing updates on ongoing investigations.
With renewed scrutiny on the Thunder Bay Police Service, discussions have turned to the potential disbandment of the service. Ontario’s inspector general of policing, Ryan Teschner, has been called upon to address the concerns raised by First Nations leaders, offering the possibility of an outside agency taking over policing responsibilities in Thunder Bay.
Efforts are also being made to facilitate dialogue between the Ontario government, NAN community members, and leadership to shape the future of policing in Thunder Bay. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the voices of the affected families and communities are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
As the push for reform and accountability continues, support services are available for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous people, emphasizing the importance of mental health counseling, community-based support, and cultural services. The need for immediate action and dialogue is crucial in addressing the issues surrounding policing and ensuring justice for Indigenous communities.