Emotion in Nunavik after the death of Joshua Papigatuk

Reactions are multiplying the day after the death of Joshua Papigatuk, who was shot dead during a police intervention in Salluit, Nunavik. His twin brother, Garnet Papigatuk, was seriously injured and had to be evacuated to a Montreal hospital.

In a press release, the Bureau of Independent Investigations (BEI) indicates that the police would have used the electric shock weapon (AIE) and cayenne pepper to subdue people, without success.

A video circulating on social media shows a man being shot at point blank range by what appears to be a police officer.

The Nunavik Police Department confirms that one of its officers opened fire, killing one person and seriously injuring another, Monday, around 4 a.m.

According to information from ATthe police responded to a call concerning a person wanting to drive while impaired. Once there, a confrontation allegedly took place between the officers and two men.

A police officer then allegedly fired at one of the people. and when the confrontation continued with the victim’s brother, the police officer allegedly fired at the second personindicates the press release.

First aid was reportedly provided by police before both victims were transported to hospital, where Joshua Papigatuk was pronounced dead. His brother, Garnet Papigatuk, is said to be in stable condition.

Given the circumstances of the event, the support services of a police force were required, namely the Sûreté du Québec. A parallel criminal investigation into the events was entrusted to the Sûreté du Québeccan we read in the press release from AT.

In addition to collecting testimonies and videos taken by the public, the investigation will focus on analyzing images taken from intervention cameras.

Demonstrations and vigil in the North

The incident aroused the ire of residents of Salluit, as well as that of residents of surrounding communities. On Monday afternoon, several people showed up in front of the Salluit police offices with posters demanding justice for Joshua and his twin brother.

About fifty people gathered in Kuujjuaq on Tuesday afternoon. The group demonstrated in the streets of the community, in front of the regional administration offices, the hospital and the police station.

Don’t shoot, Justice for the twinsthe demonstrators chanted.

After a prayer and a minute of silence, several people expressed their sorrow at this event.

It was important for me to be here, because I am an Inuk, like him. I didn’t know him, but from what I hear, he was an intelligent and respectful person. It’s not fair that we are treated differentlyexplique Madisson York, de Kuujjuaq.

We are all touched by this story. This is unacceptable, especially since they used a firearm. Our police officers are not soldiers, they are peace officersadds Martha Grey.

The organizer of the march, Suzy Kaukai, invites other communities to show their outrage and take to the streets.

Several demonstrators met on Tuesday afternoon also believe that the region’s police officers do not have the adequate training and experience to carry out their job safely.

There is a lack of trust between communities and the police. This is a problem that should have been resolved a long time ago, but given the rise in police brutality in the region, we must speak outadded Suzy Kaukai.

The anger, however, extends beyond the borders of Nunavik, since, in Nunavut, notably in Qikiqtarjuaq, dozens of people gathered Monday evening to hold a candlelight evening, in solidarity with the victims.

A reform of police services demanded

In a press release, Makivvik, the political organization defending the interests of Nunavimmiut, reacted.

The incident raises serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement and highlights the urgent and critical needs to improve training and strengthen police-community relationswrites Makivvik president Pita Aatami.

This tragedy is a painful reminder of the need for reforms for the Nunavik police service in order to truly serve and protect our fellow citizens.

Makivvik is calling for increased mental health support for all Nunavimmiut immediately. She also asks the Kativik regional government to actively work on the police force file in order to determine how they should act.

A crowdfunding campaign was also organized to help the family pay travel expenses to join Garnet Papigatuk in Montreal, where he is hospitalized.

With information from Samuel Wat and Claudiane Samson