August 30, 2001

Mr. Don E. Morrison
Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner
900- 1111 Melville Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6E 3V6

Dear Mr. Morrison:
Re: Police Act Complaint No. V00-35
Notice of Complaint Re: Death of Anthany Dawson

As Chairman of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council, I have been directed by our members to ask that your offices call for a Public Inquiry into the sudden death of our member, Anthany James Dawson.

During the inquest for Anthany, eight witnesses testified that they saw Anthany punched by a policeman. The policeman states that he did not punch Anthany. The family lawyer was not permitted to pursue this issue as the inquest was not the arena in which to address the matter. We need to know what happened, and at one point last year, we thought that Chief Battershill alluded to a public hearing.

The RCMP conducted an independent investigation in the circumstances of Anthany's death but did so without interviewing any of the police involved. To us, that is not a thorough investigation. We feel that this file probably did not have enough information for Mr. Gillen to even comprehend the actions that took place, given that there were no statements by the police involved. But the Crown decided that the substantial likelihood of conviction was not satisfied for any charges against any of the police officers. In our opinion, this report was not full and complete and never will be without the RCMP having had the opportunity to interview the police involved.

We understand that there are conflicting accounts between what Constable Sheldan testified at the inquest and what Sergeant Naughton concluded with regard to how many blows Anthany received.

Anthany was in great pain and was moaning and groaning and holding his head. He needed medical attention. A police officer may have punched him in the head and may have restricted his air flow. Why can we not have this issue addressed?

Many, many people of First Nation ancestry have since come forward and asked us to continue the struggle to have our questions answered so that they too, may one day have confidence and trust in the police force. It would be in the best interests of all British Columbians to hold a Public Inquiry into the sudden death of Anthany.

The shadow that surrounds the circumstances, may perhaps one day be lifted and we may all come to understand it farther along. With the assistance of your offices calling for a Public Inquiry into Anthany's death, we could begin the journey of healing and rebuilding.

Yours truly,
On behalf of the membership;
Chief William T. Cranmer
MTTC Chairman
Cc: Nancy Dawson