Media Advisory
August 13, 2001

Chiefs Express Outrage

The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council Chiefs express their outrage and disgust with the results of the Victoria City Police Internal Report which was sent to the home of Anthany Dawson’s mother on the second anniversary of his death, August 13, 2001.

While the Victoria City Police Internal Report claims that there is no need for any further action, Chairman William T. Cranmer voices the frustration of the First Nations people. “Eight witnesses testified at the Inquest that they seen Constable Sheldon punch Anthany and Constable Sheldon maintains that he did not.” Chief Cranmer went on to state that “The only proper way to deal with this is to have a public hearing with an adjudicator present to determine whether Constable Sheldon is telling the truth or not. We are not asking for any favors, we are asking for answers.”

The First Nations Summit has also sent a letter to the Police Complaint Commissioner, Don Morrison, urging him to consider a public hearing. “As you know the treatment of First Nations persons by police in general has been a major media topic for many years. A public inquiry in this case would allow for a complete and transparent examination of the circumstances of Mr. Dawson’s death and what role, if any, the policy may have played in it.” wrote the First Nations Summit Task Group, Kathryn Teneese, Bill Wilson, and Gerald Wesley.

The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council Chiefs again ask that a public hearing be called in order to hear the statements of the eight witnesses who seen Anthany Dawson punched by Constable Sheldon.

More Information:
Chief William T. Cranmer, Chairman
Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council
Alert Bay, B.C.
Tel: 250-974-5516
Email: mttc@island.net