Open Statement from Ugpi’ganjig Chief and Council

/in /by

January 21st, 2026

Open Statement from Ugpi’ganjig Chief and Council

We are deeply disturbed and saddened by the recent fatal deaths of two Indigenous men from Neqotkuk and Sipekene’katik involving the RCMP. These tragedies have sent waves of anger, fear, grief and sadness throughout our community and throughout our Nations.

On behalf of Upgi’ganjig Chief and Council, we would like to extend our heartfelt and sincere condolences to the family, friends, and all affected by these tragedies. We stand in support and solidarity behind all communities that have lost members at the hands of an RCMP wellness check. We’re living in a time where fatalities by RCMP on Indigenous people shouldn’t be happening continuously with all the measures in place to defuse situations.

Chief and Council will be taking steps to ensure community protocols are followed on any wellness check or RCMP calls in Ugpi’ganjig, by having our Peacekeepers be a part of deescalating any situations that may have harmful impact on our members.

It’s been 10 years since the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions, to date there has been no serious implementation. Reconciliation comes in many more forms than having a day to be together on September 30th. If the 94 calls to action are seriously implemented we wouldn’t see these injustices happening across the Nation. We as a Nation need to push Federal and Provincial Governments and their agencies to implement the calls to action to eliminate these injustices. We need RECONCILIATION.

In closing our communities need a clear plan from the Governments on how they’re going to put a button on what is becoming an epidemic with Police brutality, discrimination and systemic racism. Meaningful conversations, accountability, and legitimate action must be had and taken to move forward. Our communities don’t deserve these injustices and our people don’t deserve anymore harmful impacts from colonization.

 

Sincerely,
Ugpi’ganjig Chief & Council

 

We will be sending copies of this letter to the PM’s office, the premier’s office, the attorney General office, our MP, our MLA, the Atlantic region RCMP, and J division RCMP.