Manitoba’s Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) says it’s investigating the death of a “male youth” following an RCMP shooting in the Norway House First Nation early Friday morning.
According to a statement from the IIU, police said the shooting took place at 1:43 a.m. CT after officers were called to a home in the community located about 800 kilometres by road north of Winnipeg.
The IIU release said police were responding to reports of “a youth who was high and armed with a weapon,” the statement said.
“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.
According to the RCMP, the boy was 17. He hasn’t been named.
The IIU said first aid was provided but the boy later died.
“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.
Late Friday afternoon, the Norway House leadership issued a statement.
“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,” the statement sent to APTN News said in part.
“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.”
