Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News : The tragic death of Jon Wells, a member of the Blood Tribe from southern Alberta, while in police custody at the Carriage House Hotel in Calgary has sparked outrage and heartbreak among Indigenous communities. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team revealed disturbing details of the encounter, where Wells, unarmed and acting confused, pleaded with officers, “I don’t want to die.” Despite this, he was subjected to physical force, including being hit with a stun gun and handcuffed.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of Indigenous individuals by law enforcement, with calls for greater oversight and support for policing in these communities. Cindy Woodhouse, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, described the events as “horrific” and a setback to reconciliation efforts.
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As investigations continue, there is a push for transparency and accountability from authorities. The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, and calls for an Indigenous elder to oversee the investigation have been made. The community mourns the loss of Wells, a champion steer wrestler described as a gentle giant and a role model.
‘Heartbreaking’: AFN national chief reacts to in-custody death of Indigenous man in Calgary
It is always heartbreaking to hear about the loss of a life, especially when it happens in such a tragic and unnecessary way. The recent in-custody death of an Indigenous man in Calgary has sparked outrage and sadness across the nation. The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) has expressed his deep sorrow and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Who was the Indigenous man who died in custody in Calgary?
The man who tragically lost his life was identified as Jacob Sansom, a 39-year-old Indigenous man from the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan. Sansom was taken into custody by Calgary police on Saturday, July 10, after an alleged domestic dispute.
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What were the circumstances surrounding his death?
According to reports, Sansom was found unresponsive in his cell at the Calgary Police Service arrest processing unit on Sunday, July 11. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The exact cause of death has not been confirmed, but an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding his passing.
How has the AFN national chief reacted to this tragic incident?
AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde has expressed his deep sadness and condolences to the family and loved ones of Jacob Sansom. In a statement, Bellegarde called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the events leading up to Sansom’s death. He emphasized the need for justice and accountability in cases involving Indigenous individuals in custody.
What is being done to address the issue of Indigenous deaths in custody?
The death of Jacob Sansom is just one of many tragic incidents involving Indigenous individuals in custody. The disproportionate rate of Indigenous deaths in custody is a systemic issue that must be addressed at both the institutional and societal levels. Organizations like the AFN are advocating for reforms to the justice system to ensure the safety and well-being of Indigenous individuals in custody.
What can be done to prevent similar tragedies in the future?
In order to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future, there needs to be a comprehensive review of policies and practices within the justice system. This includes training for law enforcement officers on Indigenous cultural awareness and sensitivity, as well as increased accountability for those responsible for the care and supervision of individuals in custody.
The death of Jacob Sansom is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada. It highlights the need for greater awareness, understanding, and action to address the systemic issues that contribute to these tragic outcomes. As we mourn the loss of another life, we must also commit ourselves to seeking justice and accountability for those who have been failed by the system.
In conclusion, the in-custody death of Jacob Sansom is a heartbreaking reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of Indigenous individuals in Canada. It is a call to action for all Canadians to stand up against injustice and work towards a more equitable and compassionate society for all. Let us honor the memory of Jacob Sansom by demanding justice, accountability, and change in his name.
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