The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council are calling for accountability and a transparent investigation after a video showing the arrest of a First Nations woman by RCMP officers on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation circulated widely on social media.
In a joint statement with Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, the organizations said the footage has raised serious concerns about the level of force used during the arrest and the treatment of Indigenous people by police.
Makwa Sahgaiehcan Chief Melvin Mooswa said the video was “unacceptable,” adding the community deserves answers and accountability. The statement also noted that while the video may not show the full context of the incident, the images have shaken public confidence.
Meadow Lake Tribal Council Tribal Chief Jeremy Norman said the organization continues to support strong policing and public safety in First Nations communities, but expects officers to carry out their duties “in a respectful manner that serves, protects and respects our people.” Norman added it was difficult to watch what appeared to be aggressive enforcement against a woman and called for a full investigation into the circumstances.
FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said police are entrusted with significant authority, including the lawful use of force, but that authority must be exercised with restraint, professionalism and sound judgment.
“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,” Cameron said. “Our people deserve answers.”
The organizations are urging the RCMP and oversight bodies to ensure the investigation is completed without delay and that its findings are made public. They say transparency is essential to maintaining trust between First Nations communities and law enforcement.
The statements come one day after Saskatchewan RCMP announced it had requested the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) conduct an independent investigation into the arrest, citing public interest and its commitment to transparency. SIRT has accepted the request. The officers involved remain on active duty while the investigation proceeds.