AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Regional Chief Terry Teegee Condemn Unnecessary Use of Force Against First Nations Woman

Topic(s): Justice, Racism, Reconciliation
Source: AFN

(November 19, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and AFN British Columbia (BC) Regional Chief Terry Teegee strongly condemn the excessive use of force against a 16-year-old First Nations girl, who was forcibly restrained by security guards at a Surrey mall on November 12, 2024, after being wrongfully accused of theft.

“This incident highlights ongoing issues of systemic discrimination faced by First Nations across Canada,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “First Nations people continue to face mistreatment by institutions that should protect and serve everyone equally. Often, we see concerning instances where First Nations women and girls are being over-policed and under-protected. These actions highlight the urgent need for accountability and meaningful change in how security and law enforcement interact with our young people and women. We are calling for a full and transparent investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

“We urge institutions to implement cultural competency and anti-racism training to prevent incidents like this,” said AFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “Our thoughts are with the young woman, her family, and her community during this challenging time. Violence and discrimination must not be tolerated, and we all share the responsibility to work toward a future where our people are supported, protected, and treated with dignity.”

National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak added, “This distressing incident must be viewed within the larger context of the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) and the disproportionate overrepresentation of First Nations women and girls in correctional institutions in Canada. The National Inquiry into MMIWG made a clear connection between the violence Indigenous women and girls experience and their overincarceration. Moving forward, implementing all of the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice is critical to increase the safety of First Nations women, girls, and gender-diverse people, and while also addressing the issue of overincarceration.”

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.