Thousands upon thousands of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians paid tribute to this day June 21st - a day of great significance - National Aboriginal Solidarity Day (Officially Canada calls it simply National Aboriginal Day).

While people prayed, sang, danced, drummed, ate Indian tacos, shared stories and shared their culture - it was not a day to venture out of the house and into the outside world for Nancy Dawson.

It's not that June 21st isn't significant to her. It is. But for a much different reason. The 21st of every month has always been a reminder for her that Anthany, her son was another month older. He was born on the 21st of September.

Last August 13th he died under mysterious circumstances while in the custody of the Victoria Police. Since then there has been delay after delay. Adding insult to injury the Coroner ordered the inquest be held in Sidney. But the good news is that provincial authorities have agreed to hold the inquest in a place more convenient to the family and the local Aboriginal community - in Victoria.

It seems to me the officials had no choice but to bow to pressure and do the right thing. They were handed a reality check. After all, the family wrote. The tribal council wrote. Political leaders, including the First Nations Summit called on the system for sensitivity, a change of venue and a change of heart.

In a letter wrapped in face-saving language, Diane Olson, Regional Coroner wrote to the family's lawyer outlining her official reasons for the change, "As public interest increased, evidenced by telephone calls and correspondence to this office, I became concerned that seating at the Courthouse may be inadequate and on revisting the facility on June 15th, I found this to be true."

No matter the reason, the result is what's important. Rather than having to travel to the Sidney Courthouse, Nancy Dawson, family, Elders and friends now will attend the inquest at Camosun College's Landsdowne Campus --- in Victoria.

One of Nancy Dawson's complaints about the 'system' and its people is the coldness and lack of sensitivty. In what is best described as late-arrival compassionate language, coroner Olson tried to make up for it, "I am pleased the facility at Camosun College is available and meets the needs of the Inquest and hopeful its relocation closer to Ms. Dawson's residence reduces the strain of daily travel. You wrote that she anticipated the inquest process itself would be extremely traumatic for her. I hope the change of venue eases that for her somewhat."

The Anthany Dawson inquest will be held July 17th through August 18th at the Camosun College, Landsdowne Campus, 3100 Foul Bay Road, in Victoria, B.C. Room 100 in the Fisher Building.

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Here's the June 20, 2000 letter from
Regional Coroner Dianne Olson
Re: Inquest into the death of Anthany James Dawson
As you are aware the Inquest was scheduled to take place at the Sidney Courthouse in Sidney, B.C. As public interest increased, evidence by telephone calls and correspondence to this office, I became concerned that seating at the Courthouse may be inadequate and on revisiting the facility on June 15th I found this to be true.

Inquiries led me to Camosun College, Landsdowne Campus, 3100 Foul Bay Road, in Victoria, B.C. Room 100 in the Fisher Building provides seating to accommodate members of the public and family of the deceased, ample parking in the Student's parking lot ($1.00/four hours) and access to the campus cafeteria. Fortunately, the dates previously scheduled were made available, with some minor changes.

A list of the dates and times is enclosed. You will note three additional days are scheduled and five days are morning sessions only. No lunch break will be taken on those days that adjourn at 12:30 pm. Persons previously summonded will be notified of the change of venue.

I am pleased the facility at Camosun College is available and meets the needs of the Inquest and hopeful its relocation closer to Ms. Dawson's residence reduces the strain of daily travel. You wrote that she anticipated the inquest process itself would be extremely traumatic for her. I hope the change of venue eases that for her somewhat. Kindly advise her accordingly.

Regards,
Dianne Olson
Regional Coroner

A Letter from Nancy Dawson

June 9, 2000

Dear Friends and Relatives:

First off, I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, words of comfort and encouragement in the loss of my son Anthany. There are no words to describe the sudden loss of my son. He spoke to me that morning and later that afternoon he called me to say he was on his way home…just before he died. At times, I feel that I cannot go on. And then I receive a call from a friend or relative asking me how I am and how are we making out, these calls remind me that other people care too.

When Anthany died, I vowed to make sure that this would never have to happen to a family again and I would fight the system to prove that what they did was wrong. So we pushed for an Inquest and we pushed for criminal charges. The inquest date has been set for July 17 to August 18, 2000. Unfortunately the system has decided to hold this Inquest in Sydney, which is quite a drive to and from Victoria, we are pushing for it to be held in Victoria. The criminal charges will be pursued after the Inquest. It appears that the right to lay criminal charges is a long process and will likely take place during the year 2002.

I am keeping the transcripts and a binder full of all the steps that we have had to follow in order to pursue this injustice so that if any family should encounter this again, they could follow the steps that we found. What we discovered is that the system is quite strong and it is hard to get the information and direction that is needed to fight it.

I would like to thank all the people who have helped us with their prayers, phone calls, and letters. At night, I read your cards and letters and it helps me a lot. Many of you have asked if you can help. The loonie auctions, raffles and financial contributions have all gone toward to the costs and we are extremely grateful for everything that has been donated. Every donation lets us know that we all want answers as to why Anthany died. This letter is to ask for your help once again. To date, we have spent $27,000.00 on lawyers and private investigators and the Inquest costs will run at $29,000.00 for the legal fees and an additional $10,000. for the transcripts.

We would like to acknowledge all the hard work and support that many of Anthany's friends and family have offered. All of you are remembered and honored. All will be recognized when the time comes to do so and we greatly appreciate your help. One of Fran Dick's friends has received an offer from an American Art dealer who would market any native carved masks in the American Art World for us. He has asked for masks that are at least 9" big or more as that is where the market is strong. By placing the artwork in the American Art world, we would realize the proper value of such art.

Should you have a mask that you would like to donate to the Anthany Dawson Legal Fund, we would greatly appreciate it. Yvonne Gesinghaus will gladly accept any pieces of art you may have and forward them to us in Victoria, we will then send them to the American dealer. Receipts and acknowledgements are sent and recorded in our book as well. You can reach Yvonne by calling 250-974-5728, or I can be reached at 250-598-5324. I thank you once again, for all of your support. Please continue with your thoughts and prayers as I am sure that is what gets me through each day.

Sincerely yours,
Nancy Dawson

Resolution passed by
First Nations Summit
June 2000

Whereas: the First Nations Summit has supported the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council in their quest for an Inquest for Anthany James Dawson, which was successful; and

Whereas: the First Nations Summit has supported the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council in their quest for 2 of the 5 Inquest Jurors to be of First Nations descent which was successful; and

Whereas: the Regional Coroner has relocated the Inquest to be held in Sydney as opposed to Victoria; and

Whereas: the Victoria Native Friendship Center has graciously offered their offices and meeting rooms which are suitable, in order for the Inquest to be held in the city of Victoria at no cost; and

Whereas: the Regional Coroner has refused this offer; and

Whereas: the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Elders are not well enough to commute the distance from Sydney to Victoria to attend the inquest totaling four weeks; and

Whereas: the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council now feels a sense of covert hostility with the Regional Coroner and fear that the inquest will suffer as a result of this.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the First Nations Summit call on the Premier of British Columbia and the Attorney General to permit the Inquest for Anthany James Dawson to be held in the City of Victoria; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED: That the First Nations Summit call on the Premier of British Columbia and the Attorney General to appoint the Chief Coroner of B.C. to conduct this sensitive Inquest case of Anthany James Dawson.

June 9, 2000

Chiefs and Councils
First Nations of British Columbia
Dear Chiefs and Councils:

Once again, we write to you for your support in ensuring that the questions of our members are answered. Why did Anthany die? As you recall, one of our members Anthany James Dawson of Kingcome Inlet died on August 13, 1999 in Victoria while under police custody. We asked for your support in ensuring that there would be an inquest and that two of the five jurors be of First Nations descent.

After many postponements, we now have an inquest date set for July 17 - August 18, 2000. Unfortunately, the Regional Coroner has seen fit to book this Inquest in Sydney. This will make things all the more difficult for our members to commute to this necessary gathering. Our members need to have their questions answered.

Despite the many letters that we have sent to the Chief Coroner, our plea's seem to be falling on deaf ears. Once again we ask for your support. Would you please write to the Chief Coroner; Attorney General; and Premier requesting that Anthany's Inquest be held in Victoria?

We also ask that the Chief Coroner conduct the investigation, as we feel a sense of covert hostility with the Regional Coroner and we fear that the inquest could be hindered as a result of this.

We thank you for your attention to this matter and respectfully request that you review the attached letters as an example of what Anthany's mother must endure in order to have her questions answered.

Thank you.
Yours truly,
Chief Bill Cranmer
Chairman
Musgamagw Tsawaineuk

May 19, 2000
Victoria, British Columbia
Mysterious Anthany Dawson Death - Inquest Set
Family Feels Jerked Around by the System
News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskénhas - Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Publisher and editor of Turtle Island Native Network

Eleven months after her son died after being apprehended with force by Victoria police, Nancy Dawson finally will have a chance to find out more about the circumstances surrounding Anthany's mysterious death. The inquest has now been set for July 17 to August 18th.

Anthany died last August 13th. It has taken this long to bring the matter into a public place so the facts may be revealed, including the evidence from eyewitnesses who claim the police used too much force.

Recently the authorities reviewed a report by the RCMP major crimes unit, and concluded no charges should be laid against the police. But that's not the end of it. Besides the coroner's inquest, the Dawson family has filed a statement of claim with the British Columbia Supreme Court, alleging negligence and wrongful death, pointing an accusing finger at the police, hospital, doctors and ambulance service.

Nancy Dawson believes she and the family have been jerked around royally by 'the system', including the coroner's office and so the announcement of an inquest date, certainly doesn't ease her mind completely. In fact, it has raised renewed concerns about the fairness of the non-aboriginal justice system.

In a letter to the Chiefs and Councils of all First Nations in Canada, Anthany's mother asks for their help and again she asks the question, "Why did my son die?". She lays out her concerns and explains how the system now is adding insult to injury by refusing to accommodate her request for the inquest to be held in a location convenient for the family.

Instead, the Coroner's Office has decided it will be held in Sidney, a 45 minute to an hour commute each way from the city of Victoria where Nancy lives, but also where family and friends will be coming to lend support. It means they all must travel again at their own expense, including the Musgamagw Tsawaineuk elders from Anthany's home community.

Apparently the explanation given for the change in location away from Victoria, was a lack of space to house the inquest. But Nancy Dawson and the Victoria and area aboriginal community have located adequate space locally and offered to provide it at their own expense. An offer rejected by the Coroner's Office.

This is not the way to treat human beings - a mother and family in pain since last August's tragic death of a young aboriginal man with a promising future. It is no way for the non-aboriginal justice system to illustrate fairness to an aboriginal community already submerged in skepticism from past experiences. In fact, Union of BC Indian Chiefs President Stewart Phillip believes there should be a full independent public inquiry to look into the apparent human rights violations.

The good news is that finally there will be a public place for Nancy Dawson and Anthany's family and community to demand answers. The bad news is that the process begins already caked in cynicism and the delay of nearly a year. We can only hope the inquest itself will bring truth and justice, and then comfort and as much closure as is possible under the circumstances.

Please read on - here is Nancy Dawson's most recent letter. You also will find previous letters from her, the tribal council and BC Native leaders, stories and background information.

May 19, 2000
To All First Nations in Canada
WHY DID MY SON DIE?
Dear Chiefs and Councils:

Several months ago I wrote you asking for your support in ensuring that an inquest be held in the death of my only child. Thanks to your letters of support, I was assured of an inquest and further assured that two of the five jury members would be of Aboriginal descent.

Sadly, I need your help again. My son's inquest has been postponed repeatedly while the other parties involved "prepare" for this inquest. The inquest date has now been set for July 17 to August 18, 2000.

You will recall that my 29 year old son died while in police custody on August 13, 1999 in Victoria. Despite many witness statements stating that the police used excessive force while "assisting" my son into an ambulance, and despite the obvious bruises and abrasions consistent with such a beating, the Crown Counsel has stated that no charges will be laid to the Victoria City Police. There was no alcohol or drugs in my son's body. The police constantly gave press releases that my son died of an "apparent heart attack" despite the fact that the autopsy showed no signs of a heart attack.

The problem now is that this inquest has been moved to Sidney which is a 45 minute to 1 hour commute each way from the city of Victoria where my son was killed. Anthany's extended family and elders will be travelling to Victoria for this inquest. Like many families of First Nation's descent, we are not of great financial means and our extended family and elders will be staying with family in Victoria. The elders and family members are from the Musgamagw Tsawaineuk Tribal Council and his immediate family is from remote Kingcome Inlet in a village called Gwa'yi, which is only accessible by boat or plane. Anthany's family will be further forced to do this long commute to Sidney from Victoria every day for a month. The inquest will already place a considerable amount of stress on them as it is. Many of our elders are experiencing great pain when the family discovered that Anthany's brain was removed from his body and was not returned for seven months.

The Victoria Native Friendship Centre has generously offered a meeting room that is suitable for the purposes of a coroner's inquest. The Victoria Native Friendship Centre is located right in Victoria. There are extra rooms available for the various counsels to meet with their clients and there will be rest areas available for our elders. Another facility available is the Freemasons' Conference Centre at 638 Fisgard St, Victoria. These offers have been extended at no cost to the coroner. The coroner refused this offer.

Anthany's family feels extreme frustration while dealing with the Regional Coroner who was assigned this case. The First nations communities that have had the misfortune of having to deal with an inquest have informed us that the Chief Coroner was a coroner who understood different cultures and races. For this reason, we have asked that the Chief Coroner, Larry Campbell conduct the inquest for my son and that this inquest be held in Victoria rather than the town of Sidney.

Would you please help me once more?

Would you please write a letter to the Attorney General, the Premier of BC, and to the Chief Coroner of BC asking for these two requests?

I would like to hear from you should you have the time to call me at 250-598-5324, my fax is 250-598-5342. We have a lot of background information readily available to fax you and it is also located at turtleisland.org on the internet.

Please send letters of support and please call if you have the time. Thank you very much for your time, I will always remember this.
Yours truly
Nancy Dawson
----------------------------------
Sent to
Attorney General,
Andrew Petter at
Fax 250-387-6411
Premier, Ujjal Dosanjh
Fax 250-387-0087
Chief Coroner, Larry Campbell
Fax 604-660-7766

--------------------------------
May 15, 2000

The following is a statement issued to the media by Nancy Dawson's family: Why Did Anthany Die?

The day before Mother's Day, Nancy Dawson read an article printed in the Times Colonist which referred to her only child's sudden death on August 13, 1999. Anthany James Dawson, aged 29, died while under police custody under questionable circumstances. Anthany died while being "assisted" into an ambulance at a busy intersection. Several witness statements state that excessive force was used by the Victoria City Police while "assisting" Anthany into an ambulance.

The article in the May 13, 2000 Times Colonist informed Nancy that the "Report clears police" and goes on to say that Regional Crown Counsel has said that there will be no charges against Victoria police. It goes on to say that Anthany died of an apparent heart attack. Anthany's mother has concerns as to how this statement has been repeatedly printed by the news media, since she has never been informed of the exact cause of death.

Anthany's mother has grave concerns with the "system" that she has had to utilize while trying to find out why her son died. It appears that more time and energey has been spent trying to defend the Victoria City Police than on finding the true answers. "Road blocks" ro justice have been placed in front of Nancy each time she tries to find answers. Why has the inquest location been moved from Victoria to another town of Sidney. This sends a bad message which tells people that minimizing the stress on the parties is not of importance.

This makes the situation all the more stressful as the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Elders will have great difficulty commuting to such a location and we question the necessity of it given that there are other buildings available in central Victoria. There is a duty to Anthany's memory to treat him, and his family fairly. Reports have been promised to her and then denied. If she wants any questions answered she must fill out miles of requests and forms. Why? Wouldn't it be more productive to sit and discuss her son's death with her rather than avoid every call and to treat her with covert hostility? Did she do something wrong? WHo will speak for Anthany? Who will ask the questions that Anthany's family needs answers for?

Nancy has concerns with the Regional Crown counsels review, particularly the statement that there will be no charges against the Victoria City Police in the death of her son Anthany. They must have paid no attention to the obvious beating that Anthany received as the bruises on his body were evident. Crown Counsel had witness statements which were seized from Nancy Dawson's lawyer for review by the coroner. These witness statements make many comments on how Anthany was choked and beaten by Victoria City Police officers.

Major First Nation's organizations within Canada have assisted Nancy by sending letters of appeal to the government. Organizations such as the Assembly of First Nations, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, First Nations Summit, and scores of individual First Nations have also sent letters of support. All we want is for someone to speak for Anthany, find out what happened, without constantly covering their own interests. We need to have our questions answered ... Why Did Anthany Die?

May 13, 2000
Victoria, British Columbia
Police Cleared in Anthany Dawson's Mysterious Death
News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskénhas - Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Publisher and editor of Tutrle Island Native Network

Based on a review of a police report, British Columbia authorities have cleared the Victoria Police of any wrongdoing in the death of 29 year old Anthany Dawson, a member of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk. He died nine months ago while in police custody after being forcibly restrained by police near Oak Bay avenue and Bank Street in Victoria.

Bob Gillen, the regional Crown counsel for the Government of British Columbia reviewed a report by the RCMP major crimes section and concluded there will be no charges against the Victoria Police for their role in Anthany's mysterious death.

It is still a mystery, because two autopsy reports were inconclusive. The official police report is that Anthany suffered an apparent heart attack in the ambulance on the way to Royal Jubilee Hospital. But why? Many questions remain.

By law, when someone dies in police custody, an inquest must be held. The family has waited nine months for due process, including a public inquest. Dianne Olson, the regional coroner now says an inquest into Anthany's death will be held and the date will be announced next week.

Last week the Chiefs of the tribal council from Anthany's home nation and area wrote a letter to the provincial coroner demanding to know what's going on with the investigation. It illustrates the growing concern over delays in providing the aboriginal community with an opportunity to see that there is justice. Here's part of the letter

May 4, 2000

Mr. Larry Campbell
Chief Coroner, British Columbia
Metro Tower 2, Suite 2035
Burnaby, B.C.
Fax: 604-660-7766

Dear Mr. Campbell
Re: Anthany Dawson Inquest

Our General Manager called you with our concerns several months ago. At that time, you had asked for one-week in order to set up a meeting between the Regional Coroner, Anthany's mother, and the lawyers. The Regional Coroner agreed to contact the lawyers. Anthany's mother has called the coroner herself since then.

The Chiefs of the four tribes of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council are very concerned about the lack of respect and consideration Anthany's mother is receiving in her simple request to have her questions and our questions answered. Why did Anthany die? We are now moving into the ninth month of Anthany's death and we do not even have an Inquest date. Justice delayed, is justice denied.

The death of this young man has had a major impact in our tribal council and is creating great despair in his home village of Gwa'yi of the Tsawataineuk Nation. Our members are now asking if Anthany's death is going to "swept under the carpet by the "system".

The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council Chiefs have great difficulty in the requirement that Anthany's mother can only view the forensic pathologist report and the RCMP report, but she cannot discuss it with anyone, not her immediate family (two sisters) or her sons' father? What type of torture is this? We can only imagine that this is in an attempt to have a fair inquest. However, the Native boy who died, Anthany James Dawson, has already been tainted repeatedly with false news reports that have been issued by the Victoria police claiming that Anthany died of "an apparent drug & alcohol overdose" or "an apparent heart attack". These statements are still being made even after both of these "apparent" issues have been proven untrue. So how fair will this inquest be from the beginning?

The Regional Coroner appears to display covert hostility to Anthany's mother, which also reflects on us as the leaders of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk. The original inquest had been set for a downtown Victoria location. Since then it had been slated to be held in outer communities. We trust that your offices can take into consideration that our members who will be attending are not in "comfortable financial means" and it is cost prohibitive for them to travel back and forth. Nor is it necessary. The Elders would experience too much emotional and physical strain being forced to endure such a commute.

The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council Chiefs, Councils, and members request the following from you:

1. That consultation with Anthany's mother be initiated immediately and that the Inquest date be set with her approval;

2. That the Inquest be held in Victoria city, the location to be agreed upon by Anthany's mother;

3. That you, as Chief Coroner of B.C. conduct this highly sensitive case;

4. That these issues be addressed within one week.

After the period of one week, the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council Chiefs have been directed by their membership to proceed in a public appeal for the above requests.

We look forward to hearing from you in the immediate future.

Yours truly,
Chief William Cranmer 'Namgis First Nation
Chief Willie Moon Tsawataineuk First Nation
Chief Charlie Williams Gwawaenuk First Nation
Chief Sandy Johnson Kwicksutaineuk Ahkwa'mis

Cc: National Chief Phil Fontaine, AFN
Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs
Chief Ed John, First Nations Summit
Attorney General of BC
MLA Glenn Robertson


Background Information from Turtle Island Native Network Click Here to Read Previous Articles


Click here to read the previous letter from the
Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council to
the First Nations Summit

Click Here to Read the Letter from Nancy Dawson to
National Chief Phil Fontaine of the Assembly of First Nations

Office of the British Columbia Police Complaint Commissioner