On September 21, 1969 our son Anthany James Dawson was born. He is my only son and was loved dearly by his family and friends. As a member of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Nation, he was initiated as the Hamatsa for the family. The Hamatsa is the highest rank of the potlatch system. He was an accomplished artist and told everyone of his vision for the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk people in their territories. One of his hopes and dreams was to provide opportunities for young people to learn their culture, language, and art. He spoke to many Chiefs about his plans for the future and how this could be achieved. He carved beautiful, intricate masks that depicted our culture and displayed the pride and dignity that we have. He was on his way to becoming a legend, both in our culture and the world of artists.

On August 13, 1999, at the age of 29, our son was pronounced dead.

The cause of his death is not yet known despite the many questions our families have asked. When we asked questions we were met with vagueness and at times we were met with hostility.

What is known is that before he died, and while he was in the custody of the Victoria City police, one or more police officers punched Anthany repeatedly in the head or chest, and put him in a headlock or choke hold. In addition, a citizen directed by the Victoria City Police, sat on my son's chest for a significant period of time. Witnesses estimate the man to weigh approximately 250lbs.

During all of this, witnesses say that Anthany offered no resistance to police or to the man who sat on him. He had been acting in an unusual manner but there is no evidence at all of alcohol or drugs being involved in his death. He was a healthy young man. After he was beaten and sat on, an ambulance came. Witnesses say that our son was put face down on the stretcher and the man continued to sit on him before he was transported to the Royal Jubilee Hospital. He was probably dead in the ambulance, he arrived at the hospital with no blood pressure and no pulse.

I do not know as a fact that the police caused Anthany's death. I DO know that no person should be taken into custody by violence when they are offering no resistance. The actions of the police surrounding Anthany's death call into question the relationship of the police force, not only with respect to First Nations people, but with all people.

The police have not contacted me either with words of concern or condolence. I have read their press release which states that Anthany, while in the ambulance "suffered an apparent heart attack". There is no evidence of that. The autopsy to date, has been inconclusive.

For these reasons, we are publicly calling for the Attorney General to hold an Independent Coroner's Inquest Immediately. The laywer has been instructed to keep all options open.

There are no words to describe the loss of a child who leaves this world suddenly. One day you are comfortable in knowing you have a son and you are not alone in this world. The next, you must watch your child die. The soul wrenching pain is so hard, that at times you cannot even move.

To have this compounded by discovering what our son endured while being "assisted" into an ambulance is something that no family should have to endure. These types of actions should not happen to any person, especially in this country.

We will never see our son again, nor will we see the twinkle in his eyes, and the way he would tilt his head just prior to going into an explanation of something that was close to his heart.

We will never hear his voice, or hear his plans for the future again.

We will never see him dance as a hamatsa again.

He will never have children and he will never have grandchildren.

I will never be able to hold him again.

Anything that we say or do, will not bring our son back to us. But as people, we must ensure that no person and family will ever endure pain such as this.

It is extremely hard for us to be here today, our grief is constantly with us throughout every minute of the day and night. We thank you for coming. We thank all the people, and Nations, who have called and offered condolences and assistance.

We will not be making any more comments today. We will keep you informed in the future, as more information arises. Thank you.

The family asks all people who were at the sceneof Oak Bay and Bank Street on August 11, 1999 to PLEASE call Scott Hall, Lawyer at 384-6600.

Thank you very much.