The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council supports Anthany Dawson’s family in their continued struggle to have their questions answered.

"It is extremely disheartening to see our family’s go through so much pain, while trying to have the very basic questions answered as to why Anthany died." Stated Chairman Bill Cranmer. "We have followed the Inquest through all three restarts and were led to believe, by the statements of the Police lawyers, that our questions would be answered at a Public Hearing." Cranmer goes on to state: "We were extremely disappointed to read Commissioner Morrison’s decision to deny such a Public Hearing, despite all the questions that were unanswered at the Inquest and the fact that Anthany’s family and the tribal council were led to believe that a Public Hearing would be called."

"In reading the recent testimonies on the Internet regarding the Review of the Office of the Police Complaint Commission, we cannot help but wonder if there were other reasons for denying our members a Public Hearing. " Our tribal council members ask: "Is there racial indifference at this level?"

Anthany Dawson was a 29 year old member of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council who died while in police custody. Eight witnesses stated that they had seen Anthany choked and punched by one or more police officers while in obvious medical distress and possibly in the state of a seizure on August 11, 1999. Anthany was not breathing when ambulance attendants checked his vitals after he was placed face down on a stretcher with his hands cuffed behind him. His life support was turned off on August 13, 1999.

The Inquest brought more questions forward than it answered. The RCMP Independent Investigator informed the Inquest that he was not permitted to interview any of the police involved but saw his way clear to conclude that there was no wrongdoing carried out on their behalf. The inquest also revealed that none of the police officers made any notes; nor did any of the officers file a Critical Incident Report. When the family lawyer pursued these areas, he was informed that a Public Hearing would answer their questions as it was not for an Inquest to do. This suggested Public Hearing was later denied by Commissioner Morrison who issued his reasoning based on selected statements and reports taken out of context.

"The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council continues to support Anthany’s family in the quest for answers and again we call upon the government to grant a Public Hearing into the Death of Anthany Dawson," were Chairman Cranmer’s closing comments.

• 30 –

Contact:

Chief William T. Cranmer Yvon Gesinghaus

Tel: 250-974-5516 Tel: 250-598-5431