Faye Wightman, Board Vice-Chair and Spokesperson:

Representatives from the Vancouver Police Board and the Vancouver Police Department attended a Ceremony in Bella Bella on Monday for Maxwell Johnson, his family and the Heiltsuk Nation as one of the steps in meeting the terms of the Human Rights Tribunal Settlement.

This was an emotional Ceremony – an important occasion that allowed the Board and VPD to learn and hear the pain of Mr. Johnson, his family, and the Heiltsuk Community. The Board and VPD listened to their voices and felt their strength through what was shared in this sacred space.

There has been a great deal of media coverage regarding the absence of the officers who were involved in the initial incident at the Bank of Montreal. As the oversight body of the VPD, the Board does not have authority over the actions of individual officers or over the independent discipline process itself. These are separate processes governed by independent entities outside our legislated mandate. While we understand the frustration, disappointment and anger of Mr. Johnson, his granddaughter and members of the Heiltsuk Nation as a result of the two officers not being present at the Ceremony, we caution against speculating or making assumptions about why the officers did not attend.

The Board attended this Ceremony to assume responsibility on behalf of this organization as a first step towards healing. The Board considers this Ceremony a genuine and positive move towards the ultimate goal of reconciliation and systemic change, and not as a means of having fulfilled our work in this. Our commitment as a governing body remains focused towards collaboration with the parties involved in reviewing and improving relevant policies, training and processes. A common goal has been expressed by all parties: to ensure connections between police and Indigenous Peoples are culturally safe and respectful of their unique lived experiences. The work ahead should be done in partnership with Indigenous communities so we can authentically integrate these critical and distinct perspectives into our learning and practices to help create a better future, free of discrimination.

As the sole respondent on the Human Rights Tribunal Case, the Board will continue to honour the terms of this settlement in both the specifics and the spirit of the agreement – with a commitment to the healing journey and the goal of building and maintaining positive relationships. Reconciliation is complex, painful work that must be accomplished together.