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National Police Federation concerned comments from Indigenous Leaders could escalate tensions

Inflammatory, harmful comments to the media by Indigenous Leaders risk escalating tensions in RCMP-served communities.

That statement was put out today by the National Police Federation in response to the Williams Lake First Nation news conference on the demand for an independent public inquiry into the death of Rojan Alphonse.

The RCMP response at that news conference was being blamed for his death.

Union of BC Indian Chiefs President Grand Chief Stewart Phillip also accused the RCMP of being populated with red necks that have an inherent blood lust against people of colour, including indigenous people.

Brian Sauve is the President of the National Police Federation.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Rojan Alphonse, who took his own life on the morning of July 10th. We are aware of and concerned however, by inflammatory comments and potentially harmful statements made to media that we believe create unnecessary risks for Members and the public by escalating tensions in communities where our Members serve and live.”

Sauve also talks about the ongoing investigation.

“We respect and support the ongoing investigation by the BC Independent Investigations Office and ask that all parties refrain from presupposing or attempting to influence the outcome and conclusion.”

Sauve says they look forward to the thorough, timely, and transparent findings that come out of that investigation.

Until that report is published, however, he says there will be no further comment.

The National Police Federation is the labour union that represents 20,000 RCMP members across Canada and Internationally.

with files from George Henderson, My Cariboo Now staff

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Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

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