Raven Crate was found dead in a home in Norway House on Nov. 12. Photo: Facebook.
The community of Norway House Cree Nation is in mourning after the death of two young people in the community.
Brian Rowden, a member of the Nation told APTN News that the RCMP has failed the community.
“A young man with loads of potential and life was taken away by unnecessary police force,” Rowden said.
That young man was 17-year-old Elgyn Muskego who was shot and killed by the RCMP in the early morning hours on Friday.
According to the Independent Investigation Unit, or IIU, “Officers arrived and located the male outside, armed with an edged weapon.
“Officers made numerous commands to the male to drop the weapon, but he did not comply and moved towards the officers, resulting in the discharge of a service firearm,” the IIU said.
“A team of IIU investigators was immediately deployed. As this matter involves a fatality, the IIU will request the Manitoba Police Commission appoint a civilian monitor,” the IIU said.
The police watchdog is encouraging witnesses to come forward.
Rowden said the Mounties need to send better trained officers to Norway House.
“Too many lives lost recently in our community and this is the nastiest cherry on top. Norway House is hurting,” said Rowden who considered Muskego a cousin.
Raven Crate
The community is also in shock over the death of 23-year old Raven Crate.
According to RCMP, officers were called to a house in the community on Nov. 12. The police said Crate was deceased when they found her.
“On November 14, 2024, Manitoba Major Crime Services arrested and charged 35-year-old Derek Bruce Forbister of Norway House in relation to the death of a 23-year-old female,” an RCMP statement from Nov. 14 said.
“Forbister, who was known to the victim, was charged with Manslaughter and remanded into custody.”
According to community members Crate was pregnant. A funeral is being held on Saturday.
Hold RCMP accountable
Norway House leadership issued a statement late Friday on both incidents.
“This event has deeply affected our community, especially with the recent loss of a young woman. These incidents have brought immense grief to our Nation,” the statement said.
“As leaders of our Nation, we assure you that these matters are receiving our highest priority. We are committed and determined to ensure that a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting by an RCMP officer takes place.
“To this end, we have established a dedicated team that will oversee this urgent issue and implement measures to address the broader issues of drugs and violence within our community. This team will consist of our Director of Policing, Health Director, legal counsel, and other key members.
“In light of these events, Chief and Council are considering all options, including the possibility of declaring a state of emergency. We have reached out to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) to discuss the provision of immediate additional resources and support for our Nation.
The MKO Mobile Crisis Unit has been deployed to our Nation.
