KENORA – Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Grand Council Treaty #3 are calling for accountability after a member of Wawakapewin was shot and killed on Tuesday by an OPP officer.
NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief for Grand Council Treaty #3, issued a joint statement on Friday in response to the death of Bruce Frogg.
“We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Bruce Frogg and the entire community of Wawakapewin First Nation,” the joint release said.
“This tragedy has sent shockwaves through our many communities, and we are doing our best to support our members as they grieve this terrible loss.”
The release cautioned the public that investigations by Ontario's Special Investigations Unit are often narrow in scope, "focusing on the specific actions taken by police at one particular point in time, and may not fully consider the many significant and broader systemic issues.
“Too many confrontations with police end with violence to First Nations, and our leaders are frustrated and angry. There is an increasing demand for accountability when our members are harmed by police during alterations in urban centres across northwestern Ontario.”
The release said this incident raises serious questions about the conduct of police and their interactions with First Nations Peoples.
“We expect a full accounting of exactly what happened, and we will hold the appropriate people and agencies accountable for their actions.”
Members from his First Nation along with friends and family were remembering Frogg as "an avid outdoorsman harvesting from its bounty and sharing with family and community members,” said a release issued by Wawakapewin First Nation.
He was shot after a fire was set to a building at Anicinabe Park.
According to the SIU release, at approximately 12:40 p.m., OPP officers located a man who had two large knives at Anicinabe Park.
The man set fire to a building, the release said. Firefighters responded to extinguish the blaze.
One officer shot the man, who was taken to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Three investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case. The post-mortem is scheduled for Saturday.
The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online here.
