In Gitanyow Lax’yip on September 26, 2024, the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs voiced their outrage over recent developments in the Dale Culver case, who died in RCMP custody seven years ago. After Constable Arthur Dalman’s obstruction of justice conviction this summer, his lawyers filed a stay of proceedings, citing breaches of his Charter Rights, which delays sentencing until a hearing in 2025.
Culver, a 35-year-old member of the Wet’suwet’en and Gitksan Nations, died following a violent arrest in Prince George, BC, in July 2017. Multiple officers pepper-sprayed and assaulted him, leading to his death about 30 minutes later. Although five officers faced charges, Dalman is the only one convicted, with others seeing charges stayed or not approved until years later.
The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs are renewing calls for justice and systemic reform within law enforcement to combat systemic racism. They point to a broader crisis, noting that between late August and mid-September 2024, nine Indigenous people died in police encounters across Canada. The Chiefs are advocating for a public inquiry into these deaths, Indigenous legal representation in proceedings, and immediate action against officers displaying racist behavior. They emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in policing to prevent further tragedies.
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