Thunder Bay Police Chief Darcy Fleury has released a statement after Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler criticized the service’s communication and acknowledgment practices in missing persons investigations.
On Wednesday, Fiddler wrote on Facebook that volunteer Indigenous searchers were not credited with locating the remains of missing Indigenous young adults Ashlyn Bottle and Nodin Skunk as well as those of non-Indigenous man Richard Graham.
“From what I am seeing in the news and on social media, the public seems to be under the misconception that the remains of several missing people have been located mainly due to the actions of Thunder Bay Police Service. This is not true,” Fiddler wrote.
On May 11, TBPS announced that the search of abandoned grain elevators for Bottle and Skunk was unsuccessful. Fiddler says Indigenous volunteers found their remains three days later, closing the case.
“The public needs to understand what actually happens when our members go missing. They need to understand how our Indigenous searchers are proving to be more effective than the police. Instead of being treated with ignorance and abuse, Indigenous searchers must be recognized for their unique gifts and abilities that have directly led to the conclusion of many of these cases,” Fiddler’s statement concluded.
As for the search for missing Richard Graham, Fiddler said the two-year case was closed by an Indigenous man from Winnipeg who found his remains in a matter of days.
“This searcher was then shamefully accused of just trying to claim a reward,” Fiddler claimed.
Fiddler also said the family of missing Indigenous man Kelsey Anderson were “horrified” when, according to Fiddler, police posted a final update on his disappearance publicly before they were contacted.
On Thursday evening, TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury responded.
“Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones facing the uncertainty and heartbreak of a missing persons investigation,” Fleury’s statement began. “I also recognize and sincerely appreciate the efforts of Indigenous searchers, community members, volunteers, Elders, and partner organizations who dedicated significant time and care to supporting recent searches.”
Fleury says Fiddler’s comments did not accurately reflect the efforts and commitment of the police. He said officers have been regularly in communication with families of missing persons throughout the investigations, and it’s the families’ decision whether or not to include NAN leadership in these discussions.
“TBPS members hold and value positive relationships with Indigenous leaders and community members, including with employees and program coordinators working for NAN. It is unfortunate the recent comments do not reflect this. While we respect the role of NAN leadership in advocating for its members, inaccurate or incomplete information can undermine trust and impact the willingness of individuals to come forward with information,” he said.
Fleury wrote that TBPS officers work “diligently” to locate missing persons and provide answers to families, and encourage NAN members in Thunder Bay to continue to contact police when they need assistance.
Fleury’s statement also addressed comments made by Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa at Queen’s Park in Toronto.
On Wednesday, Mamakwa told provincial leadership that missing persons cases in Thunder Bay have reached a “tipping point” and communities need to come together to prevent further tragedy.
Fleury said Mamakwa’s comments are “misled”.
“The true crisis has long been identified: a serious shortage of social supports, housing, addictions and mental health services, and prevention initiatives that help address the root causes that place vulnerable people at risk,” Fleury wrote. “Addressing these issues requires a collective effort with community partners working collaboratively.”
The Acadia newsroom has reached out to both TBPS and NAN representatives for comment. Police Chief Darcy Fleury is out of office until June 8, and police media relations say he is the only member that will be commenting on this topic. More updates will be provided when available.
