‘Deeply alarming’: FSIN demands independent investigation after viral RCMP arrest video

“This is a mother, a community member, and a human being,” said Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation Chief Melvin Mooswa.

“What we witnessed in that video is unacceptable. Our women deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Two trained and fully equipped officers had a clear physical advantage, yet we see one of them strike her in the head. Our community deserves answers. We deserve accountability. Most importantly, our people deserve better.”

RCMP say woman assaulted officers

The incident happened at around 5 a.m. on July 27.

According to Saskatchewan RCMP, Loon Lake RCMP received a report of a drug-impaired person on the First Nation, when they spotted a man wanted on outstanding warrants entering a residence. Officers arrested the man, along with a second wanted man at the entrance of the home without incident.

Shortly after, police said a 40-year-old woman then became confrontational, punched the officers and ignored repeated commands to stop moving. She then left the entrance area, went down stairs, and was arrested outside. RCMP said she was cared for at the scene by EMS for what were described as minor injuries before being taken into custody, along with the two men.

The woman, identified by police as Rose Georgina Angus, has been charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer, and possession of cocaine. She was released from custody with the consent of the Crown Prosecutor’s office after making her first court appearance.

RCMP have defended the officers’ actions, stating that officers are often required to make split-second decisions in “complex, dynamic and constantly evolving” situations.

The initial arrests of the two wanted men included 30-year-old Lane Anthony Purves of Edmonton and 28-year-old Rayden Joe Kytwayhat of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. Purves was wanted on warrant from Swift Current RCMP for charges including theft, while Kytwayhat was wanted on warrant from Loon Lake RCMP for charges including domestic assaults.

First Nations leaders call for accountability

While acknowledging they don’t know everything that occurred before the videos began recording, the Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) and the nine associated First Nations said they remain deeply concerned by what was captured.

“We are strong proponents of policing and public safety for our Nations; however, we expect the police to conduct their duties in a respectful manner that serves, protects and respects our people,” said Tribal Chief Jeremy Norman.

“It is difficult to see aggressive enforcement on a woman that is much smaller than the two officers, which could have been avoided.”

He added Indigenous women must feel safe during interactions with police and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron echoed Norman, saying the public has a right to question whether the officers’ actions were consistent with RCMP training and professional standards.

“Police officers are entrusted with extraordinary powers, including the lawful authority to use force when circumstances require it. That authority carries an equally important responsibility to exercise discipline, professionalism, restraint and sound judgment at all times.”

“What is shown in this video is deeply alarming,” continued Cameron. “There appears to be a significant imbalance in this encounter. The public has every right to ask how a situation involving two trained, fully equipped officers and one woman escalated to the point where a strike to the head was used.”

RCMP stated that Section 25 of the Criminal Code provides police officers with the ability to use force in the lawful execution of their duties, as long as they are acting on reasonable grounds.

Calls for independent review

FSIN is urging an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, including whether the officers’ actions were in line with RCMP policy and use-of-force standards. The organization is also seeking additional information regarding the circumstances leading up to the arrest and the woman’s condition following the incident.

“Whatever occurred before the camera started recording must be fully examined,” Cameron said. “But context cannot be used as an excuse to avoid accountability for what people can clearly see. Indigenous people deserve the same professionalism, restraint, dignity and protection from police that every person in this country should expect.”

SIRT is required to release their findings publicly within 90 days of their investigation ending, although they do not include names of any of the involved parties. SIRT is a civilian-led body that is appointed by the provincial government to conduct independent investigations in issues involving police in Saskatchewan. Other provinces have similar bodies.

FSIN said the findings of any investigation should be released publicly, explaining that transparency is essential to maintaining trust between First Nations communities and law enforcement.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion online and comes as Indigenous leaders across Saskatchewan continue advocating for stronger relationships between First Nations communities and police through greater accountability, transparency, and mutual respect.

-with files from paNOW’s Nigel Maxwell

—

panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

‘Deeply alarming’: FSIN demands independent investigation after viral RCMP arrest video

RCMP say woman assaulted officers

First Nations leaders call for accountability

Calls for independent review

What's Trending