Following a mass stabbing incident in a community lacking permanent police presence, some Indigenous leaders are calling for increased support for First Nations officers to address security vulnerabilities.
Expressing the need for first responders within their communities, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson emphasized the importance of First Nations taking responsibility for their own people.
The tragic incident in Hollow Water First Nation, located approximately 160 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg, resulted in the death of 18-year-old Marina Simard and injuries to seven other residents.
The suspect behind the attack was identified as 26-year-old Tyrone Simard, the brother of the deceased woman, who had been previously ordered to stay away from her while on bail, according to court records.
The RCMP was alerted to the violence around 3:45 a.m. on Thursday by a First Nation safety officer, reporting an attack that occurred half an hour earlier. The suspect had fled the scene, prompting a need for medical assistance.
However, there were discrepancies in the timeline as another report was received by the RCMP just before 6 a.m., indicating a possible stabbing incident at the First Nation.
Hollow Water First Nation lacks a permanent RCMP presence and relies on officers from the detachment in Powerview-Pine Falls, situated around 70 kilometers to the south. The detachment, comprising 20 members, is responsible for policing seven other communities in southeast Manitoba.
During critical incidents like the mass stabbing, additional members are dispatched from neighboring detachments and units, as confirmed by the RCMP spokesperson.
In response to the incident, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is advocating for more support for First Nation safety officers to enhance community safety.
Decline in First Nation’s police
Many communities rely on the provincially managed First Nations Safety Officer Program following the discontinuation of the national band constable program in 2015. However, Chief Kyra Wilson highlighted the program’s challenges, including insufficient funding, limited personnel, training gaps, and access restrictions.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse-Nepinak noted a significant decrease in First Nation policing services in Canada, emphasizing the need for improved support and cooperation from authorities.
Woodhouse-Nepinak highlighted the delays and occasional lack of response faced by some
