Statement
August 26, 2022
UBCIC Mourns the Tragic Murder of Ojibway Father and Grandfather by the VPD; Demands Immediate Reform
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – August 26, 2022) On August 22nd, 2022, Chris Amyotte, an Ojibway father and grandfather, was shot and killed with a “less than lethal” gun by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) who responded to calls of “a man acting erratically”; however, witnesses report that Chris was in extreme distress, pleading for bystanders to call 9-1-1 for help after being sprayed with mace.
The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is calling for an immediate, transparent, and transformative response, including a public inquiry into Chris Amyotte’s death and systemic change to the VPD, especially in their approach to Indigenous peoples and residents of the Downtown Eastside (DTES). There is a chronic lack of accountability and ongoing violence and murder of Indigenous peoples by VPD and police forces throughout BC - the Independent Investigations Office has so far not been effective at addressing this reality. UBCIC also demands a shift in funding from police services to de-escalation and trauma-informed, culturally safe services, so people in distress are met with compassion and support instead of violence, death and further oppression and dispossession. We share our heart-felt condolences with Chris’ family, community, and loved ones and will not waiver in our mission to end police violence.
Media inquiries:
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 250-813-3315
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer, c/o 778-866-0548
UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca
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