A Nova Scotia First Nation has spoken out following the deaths of two Indigenous men in police-involved shootings in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick over the last week.
Pictou Landing First Nation sent out the statement Tuesday, expressing condolences and concerns.
“These events raise serious and unacceptable concerns about community safety and the treatment of our people during times of crisis,” the statement said. “The killing of First Nations people by police is not new, and the loss of two Indigenous lives within the last week has deepened the anger, grief, and fear felt across our communities.”
A man from Sipekne’katik First Nation was killed Jan. 13 after a shooting and high-speed chase.
Then on Jan. 18, a Tobique First Nation was killed by the RCMP during a call.
According to the statement, the chief and council in Pictou Landing will have discussions with the local RCMP to demand accountability, meaningful change and community safety approaches that “respect life and reflect the needs and values of our people.”
“Too often, Indigenous people experiencing mental health or personal distress are met with force instead of care, with devastating and irreversible consequences,” the statement said. “This ongoing pattern has caused profound harm and has further eroded trust.”
