Inquiry results unsatisfactory

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The family of a mother and child shot dead by an RCMP constable are not satisfied with the inquiry that cleared him of any responsibility in the deaths and want to conduct a private investigation.

Corporal Dave Voller killed Connie Jacobs and her nine-year-old son Ty last March when he was called to assist a Tsuu T'ina social worker and a band policeman trying to take Jacobs' children into care.

"I didn't expect them to find him guilty," said Cynthia Applegarth, Jacobs' sister. "Given that there was never an objective investigator inside the house."

She said the people at the scene of the killings must be held accountable. Native people can't believe that not only are the constable and the social worker still working, but the constable has been promoted.

British Columbia's attorney general's office conducted the inquiry into the shooting and exonerated Volle, but a public inquiry presided over by Aboriginal judge, Thomas Goodson, will be held on the Tsuu T'ina Nation in February 1999.

Applegarth said the inquiry should be held on neutral grounds and in a place accessible to the public. She said Calgary would be an ideal place.

"I think a lot of urban Natives would like to attend, but I don't think they have the means to get out to [Tsuu T'ina]," Applegarth said.

It's been eight months since Jacobs and her son were killed but their family still feels the effects of their deaths.

"It's taking its toll on our families," she said. "For my mom it's just been heart-wrenching."

A private investigation will take money to conduct, but the family has formed a organizations called Finding Answers for Connie and Ty (FACT) to raise money.

"We're having to use our own resources and we don't have a lot to use,"

Applegarth said. "We need a legal team and an investigative team. We have people who we are talking to who are helping us, but we don't have any money to give them."

The family held a candlelight vigil on Nov. 20 at the Olympic Plaza to raise awareness for their cause and to gather donations. Only about a hundred people showed up but they didn't lack in support for the family.

Bruce Starlight gave his support by opening the vigil with a prayer and a song on his hand drum. Testimonials were about Jacobs and her son by friends and family. Jacobs' niece read a poem in slain pair's memory.

Ross Shingoose, national co-ordinator for Aboriginals For Accountability, had a few moments at the microphone and took advantage of the opportunity to promote his organization.