On Aug. 30, a Samson Cree Nation teen, who had called for help and was afraid for his life, ended up being shot and killed after an altercation with police. The youth, identified as Hoss Lightning, was 15 years old.
I believe there needs to be a thorough investigation into this incident involving the RCMP. Given the circumstances, de-escalation should have been a top priority. As someone who has served on the diversity committee for the RCMP, one of my very first recommendations was to emphasize de-escalation training, which the RCMP already has in place. In the past, I have also strongly advocated for similar training within the Edmonton Police Service through the Hate to Hope campaign.
While I have never supported the idea of de-funding the police, I recognize the importance of improving how law enforcement operates. We must strive to do better. I was brought on as a diversity committee member because the institution was contending with racism, and we were all aware that this was the core reason we were at the table. The entire conversation revolved around how to modernize the RCMP, and this current situation has brought that conversation back into focus.
READ MORE: First Nation councillor calls for resignations after teen killed in police shooting
As someone who has long advocated for mental health awareness and de-escalation techniques within law enforcement, I am severely disappointed in this outcome. It raises serious concerns, not only for me as a mental health advocate and someone who fights for Indigenous youth, but also as a former diversity committee member. The tragic death of this Samson Cree Nation youth should never have happened. As a mental health advocate for Canada, who has been featured in nationwide commercials helping youth talk about mental health issues, this incident is particularly alarming.
This outcome is deeply troubling, and it does not align with the RCMP's mission or values. My questions to the current diversity committee members for the Alberta RCMP are: What are they doing about this issue? What strategies are they recommending to address and prevent such incidents? Additionally, I believe that the Treaty Six Grand Chief, the Chief of Samson Cree Nation, and Minister Rick Wilson need to come together to address this situation. A serious conversation among these leaders is crucial to determining the next steps and ensuring that this tragedy is addressed appropriately. And while I still believe in the institution, I am questioning the role of the current diversity committee members.
As a former committee member, I want to understand how they are recommending strategies to address and prevent such incidents. This tragedy goes against our values and the objectives we set as committee members. From my perspective as a mental health advocate, this situation raises red flags all around. It’s crucial to remember that Indigenous lives matter, but more importantly, Indigenous youth lives matter to all of us. This situation demands a comprehensive review, not only from a procedural standpoint but also through the lens of mental health advocacy. I have consistently pushed for the RCMP to implement de-escalation training and I am fully aware of the existing challenges, including racism.
Chevi Rabbit is a local columnist and advocate for LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous rights and mental health. Rabbit grew up in Ponoka and is a member of Montana First Nation.
