Manitoba Pipestone - March 2016

Inquest shows poor training, poor jail conditions

An inquest report into the death of Brian McPherson, 44, who died in the early morning hours of Aug. 27, 2011, while in custody at the Garden Hill band constable holding cells, says the holding cell was in poor condition, far too small and overcrowded.

McPherson died of sudden heart failure. There were eight people in the 3.32 metres by 2.67 metres, which contained no bedding. The cell’s door was secured by a 2x4 board and the viewing port was covered, preventing the guards from looking in to check on prisoners. 

Security monitors were low resolution black-and-white and provided dull and blurry images and had no audio. The only clear method to check on prisoners was to open the cell door, but guards could only do so if there was an emergency.

McPherson and some friends were arrested at his home for drinking superjuice, home-brew booze. Garden Hill has a prohibition on alcohol. The inquest concluded "there is little doubt" McPherson would have died, regardless if he was arrested or not. However, there is clear evidence he was not lawfully arrested and should not have been detained "and certainly not detained in cells that were overcrowded and in an unacceptable condition," the report states.

The inquest report urges First Nation safety officers or band peace officers to be properly trained and free from the direction of "untrained individuals" such as band councillors. An inquest was mandatory following McPherson’s in-custody death in order to determine what could be done to prevent similar deaths in the future.

Nepinak says airport security disrespectful of sacred item

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority is investigating an incident in which Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak claims a ceremonial bundle in his carry-on luggage was handled disrespectfully.

In mid-February, Nepinak was at Ottawa International Airport when he says security staff showed a lack of cultural sensitivity during the screening process by mishandling and opening the object, which included a sacred pipe and tobacco, after he had asked them not to.

“When it comes to sacred items, we have specific procedures in place, and the screening officers are aware it’s part of their training to be very cautious, be very discreet and respectful,” CATSA spokesman Mathieu Larocque told CBC News, adding that security footage would be reviewed and the employees involved interviewed.

Kinew to run against provincial Liberal leader

Wab Kinew is entering provincial politics. The associate vice-president for Indigenous relations at the University of Winnipeg and author of the bestselling book “The Reason You Walk” took the NDP nomination Feb. 16 for Fort Rouge. Previous NDP incumbent Jennifer Howard chose not to run after a falling out with Premier Greg Selinger over his leadership of the party. Kinew will be taking on Manitoba Liberal leader Rana Bokhari. Running for the Progressive Conservatives is Audrey Gordon, a former public servant and health care manager.

Kinew, who is originally from the Onigaming First Nation in northwestern Ontario, said he was motivated to run because he believes the NDP is best suited to tackle economic challenges such as the falling loonie, job creation, and says the NDP will be the steady hand the province needs.

DNA samples could help catch girl’s killer

RCMP is collecting up to 2,000 DNA samples from men and boys between 15 and 66 years of age on the Garden Hill First Nation. They hope it will lead to a breakthrough in the case of Teresa Robinson, 11, who went missing May 5, 2015 after leaving a birthday party. Her remains were found six days later. Initially it was believed she was attacked by a bear. However, RCMP later determined the girl’s remains had been disturbed by an animal, but animals played no role in her death.

Compiled by Shari Narine