Allegations of Police Brutality towards First Nations Women during Innisfail Arrests

First Nations people in Canada are at a greater risk of mistreatment by law enforcement. Indigenous people, especially women, face higher levels of police brutality, violence, and even death. Recently, several allegations have been raised in Innisfail, Alberta, where police allegedly used excessive force and brutality during the arrests of two First Nations women.

What happened?

On June 5, 2021, two First Nations women from Innisfail were arrested in a shopping mall in the town. The police accused them of shoplifting, and it is alleged that they used excessive force while arresting the women. A video of the arrest shared on social media shows a police officer punching one woman in the head before forcing her to the ground. The other woman was also allegedly assaulted, and her face was bruised.

What do witnesses say?

Several witnesses claim that the police officers used excessive force and were abusive towards the women during the arrest. They also claim that the women were not resisting arrest and there was no need to use such force. A witness reported hearing one of the women screaming that she could not breathe while the police officers restrained her.

What do the police say?

The police initially claimed that the women were resisting arrest, but they later retracted that statement. They also claim that the use of force was necessary since one of the women hit an officer during the arrest. The RCMP has since launched an investigation into the incident.

Why is this significant?

This incident highlights the ongoing problem of police brutality towards First Nations people in Canada, especially women. Indigenous people make up only 5% of the population in Canada but account for almost one-third of those incarcerated in federal prisons. Indigenous women, in particular, are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. They are more likely to be victims of both sexual and physical violence, and they are at a higher risk of being killed than non-Indigenous women.

What can be done?

This incident has sparked outrage among First Nations communities and Indigenous rights advocates. They are calling for justice and accountability for the police officers involved in the alleged assault. There are also calls for systemic change in the police force and criminal justice system to address the ongoing problem of police brutality towards Indigenous people.

Conclusion

The allegations of police brutality towards First Nations women during the Innisfail arrests, while shocking, are unfortunately not uncommon. This incident is just one example of the systemic racism and violence faced by Indigenous people in Canada. It is time for the Canadian government and police force to acknowledge this issue and take action to address it. Only then can we hope for a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their ethnicity or background.

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