Family of Maskwacis teen killed by RCMP last week shares grief

The boy, who’s been identified in the recent statement as Hoss Lightning, was taken to hospital, but died a short time later. ASIRT is now investigating.

In a statement expressing the Lightning family’s sorrow and posted to Facebook by Samson Cree Nation Councillor Izaiah Swampy Omeasoo, the events that unfolded last week are described as, “horrific.”

The statement describes Lightning during what occurred as, “a kid scared and alone.”

“For many nehiyawak [Cree] already, we suffer enough, with the current tactics the State of Canada deploys to drown out any form and chance of survival in this country, with the lack of funding to housing, mental health services, education and healthcare — it has only become much more evident such actions as this, prove the continued genocide from the State of Canada on Indigenous Peoples,” the statement reads.

“Such actions must be condemned to the fullest extent … stand up against the injustice Indigenous People face, the justice Hoss Lightning deserves, and the collaboration to work together now, to repair the damage that has been done and seek out new progressive ways for a better future.”

The statement makes five recommendations, the first being that the officers involved resign immediately. It also asks for a transparent and accountable investigation, as well as for all levels of government to lobby for greater access to funding for mental health and community-based support services in Maskwacis.

It also notes that a date for a candlelight vigil is to be set by the family only, and asks that the Chiefs of Treaty 6 call for greater cooperation and serious policy reform on policing and de-escalation training as it relates to Indigenous people.

rdnewsNOW reached out to The Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, but did not hear back before deadline. Their comment will be added here if they do respond.

The Alberta NDP also released a statement about the incident this week through MLAs Brooks Arcand-Paul (Edmonton-West Henday) and Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse (Edmonton-Rutherford), both of whom are Indigenous.

“We are devastated by the news that a 15-year-old nehiyaw napesis [Cree boy] from Samson Cree Nation was fatally shot by RCMP in Wetaskiwin and began his spirit walk far too young.

“We hope for a fulsome and thorough investigation from ASIRT on the events that led to this tragedy. We reiterate the need for a comprehensive approach to fixing the structural problems with policing in this province. We stand with our colleagues who have called on the UCP to begin the gathering of race based data, and passing the Anti-Racism Act they voted down in 2022.”

The proposed Anti-Racism Act (Bill 204) was a piece of legislation put forward by the Alberta NDP’s David Shepherd in March 2022, which aimed to establish an anti-racism office, as well as a commissioner who would identify racial inequalities in Alberta.

It would also require public bodies to collect race-based data, and the government to establish certain standards and regulations for those bodies to analyze said data.

The bill was squashed in May 2022.

ASIRT released an update on their investigation just before noon on Sept. 5, and shortly after the original version of this story was published.

According to ASIRT, about 15 minutes after Lightning called RCMP, at about 12:45 a.m., a lone officer from the Wetaskiwin detachment located the youth in the area of 56 Street and 37A Avenue.

“The officer’s in-car video system captured both audio and video of the interaction. The youth and the officer spoke about the situation and the youth handed over a machete and knife that he had in his possession,” ASIRT write.

“The youth provided information to the officer. The officer determined that the youth was at risk and attempted to apprehend the youth and search him as well as his backpack. While initially co-operative, the youth fled before being apprehended, running a short distance away.”

ASIRT writes that the officer followed the youth in his police vehicle and was joined by other officers who were assisting on the call.

“These officers also had their in-car video system activated, which captured the incident as it unfolded. The youth was located a short distance away in a field. The officers approached and got out of their vehicles. At this point a confrontation occurred and two officers discharged their firearms,” ASIRT continues.

“The youth was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground. First aid was provided. EMS attended and transported the youth to the hospital where he died.”

ASIRT is asking anyone who witnessed both the initial interaction with the lone officer as well as the shooting to contact investigators at 780-644-1483.

Under Alberta’s Police Act, ASIRT can be deployed to review another agency’s investigation, assist in a multi-agency investigation or conduct its own independent investigation in which investigative steps and the final conclusion rests solely with ASIRT.

This incident is a full, independent investigation by ASIRT into the use of force by the officers. ASIRT has been provided with the watchguard video as well as all relevant communication by the RCMP. As the matter remains under investigation no further information will be released publicly by ASIRT.

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by Josh Hall | @Vancan19

Family of Maskwacis teen killed by RCMP last week shares grief

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