Calls for transparency after fatal police shooting in Nunavik

Moses Tarkirk describes the two brothers who were shot and killed by police this week in Salluit, Ky., as beloved members of the community he’s known since childhood.

“They help the community, they’re great hunters … they’re really good people,” Tarkirk said.

Joshua Papigatuk was killed when Nunavik police opened fire early Monday morning. His brother, Garnet Papigatuk, was seriously injured and taken to hospital.

Joshua also had a newborn baby, Tarkirk said.

“I miss him so much… his life was just beginning. It should never have ended this way.”

Monday’s shooting is still under investigation by Quebec’s Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), prompting calls for police and investigators to be “as transparent as possible.”

BEI says early investigations show police responded to a call that someone was trying to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. A physical struggle ensued, with tasers and pepper spray being used, before police used their weapons.

A BEI communications adviser confirmed to CBC that they are analyzing the officers’ dashcam footage of the incident, as well as video provided by witnesses. This footage will not be released until the investigation is complete.

BEI investigators had hoped to be in Salluit by Tuesday evening, although bad weather delayed their arrival.

Data from the Office of the Chief Coroner of Quebec for the years 2000-2018 were found Nunavik has had more police-related deaths than any of the three Canadian territories, despite the fact that the population is about a third of each territory.

Tarkirk said he’s seen too many friends die at the hands of police in Nunavik.

“We’re all saying, how many more people are we going to lose? How many more people will die or be injured?”

Joshua and Garnet Papigatuk were the victims of a police shooting in Salluit, Que., on Monday. The incidents are still under investigation by Quebec’s Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI). (Courtesy of GoFundMe/Justice for the Salluit Twins)

Waves across the region

The shooting affected people in Nunavik and beyond on social media, with people posting the hashtags “justice for Joshua” and “justice for the twins.”

Protests also continued for a second day on Tuesday, particularly in Kuaktak, Kangirsuk and Kuujjuak.

Around 50 people demonstrated in front of the regional administration office and police station in Kuujjuaq on Tuesday, chanting “don’t shoot” and “justice for the twins”.

Organizer Suzy Kaukai called on other communities to join the demonstrations.

“There is a lack of trust between the communities and the police,” she said. “They are obliged to be transparent… we don’t want to remain in the dark. That’s why we protested.”

Nunavik Police Service Kuujuak Station. (Felix Lebel/Radio-Canada)

Martha Gray was among the demonstrators.

“Our police officers are not soldiers, they are peacekeepers,” she said.

In a written statement, Sallumit Mayor Maggie Saviakiuk called on those investigating the shooting to listen to the voices of all Sallumiuts.

“This tragic event has rekindled fears for our personal safety and the loss of loved ones who cannot be replaced,” Savyakyuk wrote.

Officials respond to calls for transparency

Jan Lafreniere, Quebec’s minister responsible for First Nations and Inuit relations, said he understands the protesters’ frustration.

“Let’s wait for the investigation. Let’s take a look at its results. This is a difficult moment for society. This is a difficult moment for the police as well,” he told reporters at the National Assembly of Quebec.

The Kativik Regional Government (KRG), which has civilian oversight of the Nunavik Police Service (NPS), said it is working closely with its partners to ensure Salumiut has the resources it needs.

“We have stated the importance of communication between BEI researchers and local and regional authorities, as well as the importance of maximum transparency regarding the findings. I will continue to push this point to all levels of government,” KRG Chairwoman Hilda Snowball said in a statement. .

Gilda Snowball is the head of the regional government of Kativik. (Felix Lebel/Radio-Canada)

Jean-Pierre Larose, chairman of the NPS, promised in a statement to “redouble our efforts to restore the support and trust of Salumiut and all Nunavimmiut in Nunavik.”

However, Moses Tarkirk has a clear message for them.

“We want justice for the twins and justice for Joshua,” Tarkirk said.