WARNING: This story comprises distressing particulars, together with references to the Indian residential faculty system.
Simply over a yr after his father was shot and killed by a police officer in Kenora, Ont., Eric Nothing’s household has recognized him because the sufferer of a police taking pictures in Deer Lake First Nation that occurred earlier this week.
Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating the incident, which passed off within the distant Oji-Cree neighborhood in northwestern Ontario Tuesday afternoon.
The Particular Investigations Unit (SIU) says officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) went to a residence in Deer Lake round 1:30 p.m. native time that day with a warrant to arrest a person, who then fled from the home.
“There was an interplay, and one NAPS officer discharged his firearm on the man. Officers offered first assist and the person was taken to a nursing station the place he was pronounced deceased,” the SIU mentioned in a information launch issued Wednesday.
Nothing’s uncle, Joshua Frogg, described his nephew as a tough employee and a very good particular person. Through the neighborhood’s current evacuation because of a close-by wildfire, Nothing stayed behind to assist with constructing upkeep and take care of individuals’s pets.
“He volunteered to assist in any disaster scenario,” Joshua Frogg advised CBC Information in an interview Thursday. “He was a really caring particular person.”
Bruce Frogg was shot by provincial police in Kenora, Ont., throughout an incident at Anicinabe Park in June 2024. Earlier this month, the SIU cleared a Kenora officer with the OPP of any wrongdoing in reference to the demise. (Submitted by Joshua Frogg)
About 1,100 individuals reside in Deer Lake, which is about 580 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay.
Earlier this month, the SIU cleared a Kenora officer with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) of any wrongdoing in reference to the demise of Bruce Wallace Frogg — Nothing’s father — at Anicinabe Park in June 2024.
In that case, Nishnawbe Aski Nation — which represents 49 First Nations throughout Treaties 9 and 5 — described the investigation as “severely flawed.”
“We reject the conclusion that the officers’ actions have been cheap and justified,” Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler mentioned in a press release.
I hate to say this, nevertheless it’s simply the fact for us as a household and possibly as Indigenous peoples, that the system is designed to fail us.- Joshua Frogg, Eric Nothing’s uncle
The SIU is an unbiased authorities company that investigates the conduct of police which will have resulted in demise, critical harm, sexual assault or the discharge of a firearm at an individual.
The company says two investigators and one forensic investigator have been assigned to the Deer Lake case, in addition to one topic official and one witness official.
“I’ve nothing good to say concerning the SIU,” Joshua Frogg mentioned. “We’ve got no belief in them.”
Whereas the SIU initially recognized Nothing as a 45-year-old man, spokesperson Kristy Denette confirmed to CBC Information that he was in truth 40, and that the knowledge initially obtained by the company was incorrect.
In keeping with Denette, “the arrest warrant was in relation to assault.”
Nonetheless, the household’s expertise with Bruce Wallace Frogg’s investigation has made them leery of how the company could deal with Nothing’s case, mentioned Joshua Frogg.
“I hate to say this, nevertheless it’s simply the fact for us as a household and possibly as Indigenous peoples, that the system is designed to fail us,” Joshua Frogg mentioned. “There isn’t any justice.”
Wapekeka, Deer Lake First Nations in mourning
In a information launch issued Wednesday night, the OPP Northwest Area mentioned that “on the request of the NAPS, the OPP is investigating the circumstances main as much as NAPS attendance in addition to the quick scenario on the scene as officers arrived.”
“The OPP investigation is separate from that of the SIU, which is investigating the police-involved interplay,” the OPP says.
Nothing, left, is seen together with his nieces Sakora and Jessica. Nothing’s uncle describes him as a form, hardworking one who was all the time dedicated to serving to his neighborhood. (Submitted by Joshua Frogg)
Joshua Frogg mentioned Nothing grew up in Wapekeka First Nation and moved to Deer Lake when he acquired married. He referred to as his nephew an intergenerational residential faculty survivor, and mentioned he was affected by the experiences of his father, grandmother and different family members who have been compelled to attend residential colleges.
From celebrations to funerals, Joshua Frogg mentioned Nothing was all the time concerned in the neighborhood, and that Deer Lake and Wapekeka are grieving him collectively.
Because the SIU investigation unfolds, Joshua Frogg mentioned he desires a separate company to look into Nothing’s demise that isn’t staffed by former cops.
“(The police are) mainly investigating themselves, and that isn’t a very good factor in our view,” he mentioned.
Jeremy Sawanis, a band councillor for Deer Lake, posted on Fb {that a} prayer service was being held Wednesday in Nothing’s honour.
“Chief and council wish to categorical our deepest sympathies to the household and buddies of late Eric Nothing,” Sawanis wrote.
Within the meantime, Joshua Frogg mentioned the household is specializing in laying Nothing to relaxation and caring for his spouse and youngsters.
The OPP is asking anybody with info or video footage — together with surveillance, sprint cam, cellular phone and social media — taken close to the intersection of Police Station Highway and Water Remedy Highway in Deer Lake on Tuesday between 1 p.m. and a pair of p.m., to contact the service at 1-888-310-1122.
Individuals may also submit ideas anonymously by Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
A nationwide Indian Residential College Disaster Line has been set as much as present assist for former college students and people affected. Individuals can entry emotional and disaster referral providers by calling the 24-hour nationwide disaster line: 1-866-925-4419.
Psychological well being counselling and disaster assist can also be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days per week by the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by on-line chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
